PdC Softball falls in Sectional Semifinal
April Smith shows off her defensive skills at first base by stretching to get the force out on the catch. (Derick Kelly/Courier Press)
Senior Bailey Halvorson watches the ball go into her glove during the Hawks sectional semifinal game against Richland Center. (Derick Kelly/Courier Press)
The Richland Center base runner is forced to quickly retreat back to second base after an amazing diving grab by PdC third baseman Ella Lange. (Derick Kelly/Courier Press)
By Derick Kelly
The Prairie du Chien softball team entered their D3 sectional semifinal game against Richland Center last Wednesday, June 4 looking to advance to the sectional final game for the second time in program history and the first time since 2008.
After a scoreless first inning, things looked good for the Hawks but that changed in the top of the second inning when the Hornets scored four runs with the ball leaving the infield just once due to defensive miscues. Richland Center starting pitcher Kyree Fischer showed little signs of being a nervous ninth grader as she held the Hawks to just two hits and two walks in the game. She also struck out 17 batters.
The Hornets would go on to score once in the fifth and three times in the seventh inning as they went on to defeat the Hawks 8-0 to advance to the D3 Sectional Final against Poynette the following evening. Poynette would go on to defeat the Hornets 5-1 to advance to the state tournament.
Prairie du Chien was led at the plate by Claire Kennedy (1-for-3) and Ella Lange (1-for-2) with Brecklynn McCumber and April Smith each adding a walk. Kennedy took the pitching loss, allowing eight runs (all unearned) on five hits and three walks while striking out nine batters.
Prairie du Chien ends the season with an overall record of 19-8 after finishing the regular season in third place in the SWC with a 7-3 record. The Hawks will graduate five seniors - Rita Achenbach, Irelynd Cejka, Mariah Faulkner, Bailey Halvorson and Ella Lange.
