CHETOPA — A shorthanded Crest High softball squad fought gamely, but came up short in both games of a doubleheader Monday.
The Lancers saw host Chetopa win both games in the final innings, losing 9-7 and 6-5.
“We came up short in the first game after one mistake turned into a few and couldn’t bounce back,” head coach Casey Cook said. “They fought hard in Game 2 and took them to extra innings and didn’t give up. I’m proud of them.”
Crest was without starting pitcher Lindsey Godderz. In her stead, Aubree Holloran and Brooklynn Jones handled the pitching.
“They stepped up and did a great job,” Cook said. “Kayla Hermreck did great catching.”
Crest was tied, 3-3 headed into the top of the seventh when Holloran, Vivian Noah, Sydney Stephens and Jones all singled as part of a four-run rally to lead, 7-3.
But Chetopa responded with a flourish, scoring six runs in the bottom of the inning to seal the win.
Stephens had three hits to lead the way. Holloran, Jones and Andie Burnett each had a pair of singles. Kammee Bachman, Lily Blaufuss, Noah and Hermreck all singled once.
Crest took a 1-0 lead in Game 2 after Holloran doubled and scored on McKenna Hammond’s single in the top of the first. Lonna Ayers and Jones singled with two outs in the top of the second. Both came around to score on Holloran’s double for a 3-0 lead.
Chetopa responded with three in the fourth to tie the score.
Holloran singled, stole a base and scored on a Stephens’ single in the top of the fifth, but the Hornets bounced right back with two more in the bottom of the inning to lead, 5-4.
Anna Hermreck singled with one out in the sixth. Ayers moved her along with a single, and Holloran tied the score with her fourth hit of the game to force extra innings.
Chetopa ended the game with a one-out single in the bottom of the eighth.
Holloran had three singles and a double to lead the way for the Lady Lancers. Ayers added two singles. Hammond, Stephens, Noah, Anna Hermreck and Jones all singled once.
