Tuscola Softball loses familiar affair in regional championship
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By Ben Crane
The Tuscola softball team ended their season Saturday against Arcola with a 6-2 loss in the regional championship game after beating St. Teresa, 9-1.
Their week started against St. T, where the Warriors racked up seven runs in the first two innings. The teams traded runs in the fifth before the Lady Warriors scored another in the sixth, pushing the lead to the final score, 9-1.
Ava Boyer finished 2-2, scoring two runs and batting in another two. Allison Pettry finished 2-4 with two runs of her own. Emily Veach finished 1-2 with an RBI while Bella Wishard and Alaina Smith finished 1-3 each, splitting three runs.
Kinzie Cleland finished 1-3 with three RBIs in the batter’s box while pitching 7.0 innings, allowing five hits, one earned run, and striking out 11.
The Lady Warriors scored nine runs on seven hits and committed one error.
“Great momentum game for us to get into the championship,” said head coach Halle Kerns. “Beating a team three times is always difficult but the team knew it was all or nothing and they had to leave it all out on the field. I’m proud of them for the work they put in as a team that game to push us into the championship game.”
Against Arcola, the Lady Warriors allowed three runs in the top of the first, answering with one in the bottom of the inning. The Purple Riders scored one run in each of the last three innings while Tuscola could only score one in the sixth, losing 6-2 in the regional championship.
Bayleigh Taylor went 1-3, batting in a runner while Sawyer Cleland finished 2-3. Boyer was 0-3, scoring a run.
K. Cleland went 1-3 at the plate and in the circle went 7.0 IP, allowing five hits and one earned run, striking out 11.
The Lady Warriors had two runs on four hits and committed three errors.
“Arcola is always just a dog battle with our long historic rival. We had discussed with the team about our previous meet up that we had grown immensely from the first time we played them and knew we had a much better chance of beating them. We knew we were going to get their best game with it being the regional championship on our home turf and we were trying everything to protect that and ending our season. Unfortunately it came down to some defensive errors we had after Arcola had gotten some hits and our offensive couldn’t string timely hits together. Kinzie pitched a great game and kept her confidence and composure through the errors and hits. I’m proud of how hard the team worked together to continue to battle until the last out.”
Coach Kerns wrapped up her first season at the helm with a 16-13 record and a regional championship appearance.
“For the season, I couldn’t be happier and more proud of this team. I know the difficulty that a new coach can bring to a program, but the girls handled it with grace and welcomed me with open arms. It was an honor to be a part of this team and watch the girls grow every single day. I had high hopes for this team walking into practice the first day and the team did nothing but exceed those. Sure, we had some rough patches as any team does but we also made some of the best memories in these three short months. This team is so special to me as they are the first team I’ve coached and they will always hold a special place in my heart. They truly are some of the best kids and I’m grateful that I get to be a small part of their lives. Our seniors Ava Allison and Emily will be deeply missed next year. They truly put their all into their last season as a Warrior and they have made a lasting impact on this program and the other girls this year. I can’t thank them enough for all they have done. I know they are on to bigger and better things and will succeed in the next chapters of their lives. I have so many people to thank for this season and I couldn’t possibly list them all, so thank you to everyone who has supported us through this season and has encouraged our team through the highs and lows. A special thank you to my family for helping out with my kiddos on the late nights of travel and the many hours away from home. I can’t wait to get back at it in just a few short months. As always, Go Warriors!”