Lady Broncos’ season comes to abrupt end

By Sandy Anderberg
With a win seemingly in hand, the Lady Broncos only had to hold on through one more at-bat from Abernathy to earn the right to advance to the next level. They were sitting in a good spot, with two outs against their opponent. But according to head coach Gary Jack, ‘one little mistake’ took the win away from the Lady Broncos.
“Our softball season came to an end Wednesday night in Canyon,” Jack said. “The girls played a tough game and with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, we were still ahead 4-3. One little mistake allowed Abernathy to score the two runners on base and squeak out a 5-4 win.”
Jack cited several players with great defensive play in the game.
“We played really well defensively all night,” Jack said. “Taylor DeGrate, Taylor Gaines, Sterling King, Briley Chadwick, and Allyson Hogan made some great defensive plays throughout the game. Sterling pitched the best game I’ve ever seen her pitch.”
As good as the Lady Broncos played, they struggled to hit Abernathy’s good pitcher.
“We did have trouble hitting Abernathy’s pitcher,” Jack said. “Brooke Martin, DeGrate, and Hogan hit the ball very well, ripping several hits to the wall. It wasn’t enough as a couple of mistakes allowed Abernathy all five of their unearned runs. Our girls did play a very inspired and emotional game. We just didn’t get the little breaks at the end we needed. I am very proud of how our girls competed.”
The Lady Broncos finished their season in second place in the District race.
“I’m very proud of how our girls competed,” Jack said. “Overall, it was a good season.”