ECS softball's quest for third state title ends in Class 1A semis
Despite a valiant comeback attempt which saw the Sentinels score 10 runs in the game’s final three innings, ECS lost 16-15 to Geneva.
There will be no three-peat for the Evangelical Christian School softball team. Despite a valiant comeback attempt which saw the Sentinels score 10 runs in the game’s final three innings, ECS came up one short in the Class 1A state semifinals, losing 16-15 to Geneva in eight innings. The Sentinels (16-9), who erased a five-run deficit in last year’s 17-14 win over Geneva in the 1A state championship game, couldn’t quite replicate that feat this time around.
But they came ever so close. “As long as we have an out or a strike, we have a chance, you know,” ECS coach Johnny Manetta said. “There’s no give up in this group.
They’re going to fight to the end. They’re going to battle it out for each other. ” Trailing 12-8 heading into the seventh inning, ECS loaded the bases with one out on singles by Keaunna Green and Anayeli Guzman and Samantha Yzaguirre reaching after being hit by a pitch.
Up stepped sophomore Reese Niemier, who launched a double to deep center field, scoring all three runners to make it 12-11. The Knights (16-4) appeared to escape the jam with a double play when seventh-grader Olivia Foster grounded out and then, after a bobbled throw at third base, Niemier was thrown out at the plate. But the umpires ruled Geneva obstructed Niemier’s path to home and allowed her run to count, tying the game.