The NRHEG softball team saw its season come to a sudden and saddening end Saturday as the Panthers lost 5-2 to Waseca in Section 2AA Tournament play at Mankato.
The local girls finished with a record of 16-4.
“This was a game that was tough to lose,” said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz. “We had opportunities to get up early in the game but made a few mental mistakes. It’s a tough way to end the season, but you have to give credit to Waseca. They played a great game.”
It clearly was not the Panthers’ best showing of the season. They committed three errors to Waseca’s one and Jade Schultz walked nine batters.
The offensive highlights for the Panthers were provided by Hannah Lundberg, who went 3-for-4, scored two runs and stole a base. Kelli Harrington and Alyssa Esplan each had a hit and an RBI. Anna Stork, Anna Schlaak, Tori Raimann and Schultz had one hit apiece.
For the game, Schultz allowed three earned runs on five hits, striking out four. Waseca’s Abby Collins gave up two earned runs on nine hits, with one walk and one strikeout.
Amanda Deml and MaKenna Thiele played well defensively, according to Coach Schultz, combining for several nice catches in the outfield. Deml ended the seventh inning with a double play.
The Bluejays improved their record to 13-7 upon beating Maple River, advancing to the finals of the double-elimination tournament against 18-2 LeSueur-Henderson Tuesday, May 29.
“I’m proud of the way the girls played all year,” said Schultz. “I told the girls that 16-4 isn’t too shabby. We’ll work hard this summer and hopefully be ready for next year. Our three seniors — Amanda Deml, Tori Raimann and Anna Schlaak — will definitely be missed. They were wonderful leaders.”
