The 2018 CCHS Vikings’ softball team ended its season May 22 in Barnum. Pictured, front row from left, are Abby Prom, Hanna Borson, Alyssa Spry and Abby Crawford. In back row, from left, are Mallory Goettl, Harleigh Lindquist, Emma Smith, Ella Sporn, Katie Peck, Bianca Zimmer and Emma Gesch.
The Cook County girls’ softball team ended their season earlier than they wanted to, losing to the Barnum Bombers in the playoffs by one run.
The game was on Tuesday, May Barnum.
The Vikings jumped out in front early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Barnum, however, answered with four first-inning runs of its own.
“Our offense got quiet after the first inning and their offense never really slowed down,” said head coach Peter Lucken.
The Vikings added another run in the fifth inning to trail 9-3.
“All seemed pretty lost going into the seventh inning,” said coach Lucken, “but hitting is contagious.”
After Abbie Crawford struck out, Hanna Borson singled (her second hit of the day) and Alyssa Spry also singled. Abby Prom moved the runners over to second and third base with a productive out. Harleigh Lindquist walked and Jamie Johnson followed with a single that brought in two runs.
Bianca Zimmer kept the rally alive with a single on the next pitch. Emma Gesch then cleared the bases with a double. That brought up Ella Sporn, who got on base with a walk. With the score now 9-8, Abbie Crawford again came to the plate. This time she got some wood on the ball, but the ball popped up and was caught by the pitcher to end the Vikings’ season.
“We tried to fight back in the top of the seventh,” coach Lucken said. “We scored five runs but couldn’t get one more hit to put us up.
“I’m proud of how these girls fought today. If we had one or two more things go our way this would have been a totally different game. It stings to lose a close one but I’m proud of the girls.”
The Vikings will say goodbye to four graduating seniors, Hanna Borson, Abby Prom, Jamie Johnson, and Harleigh Lindquist.
“I would like to say that these four ladies were in the middle of everything we did this year,” coach Lucken said. “They were leaders and they will definitely be missed on the diamond next year. I know they will all go on to do great things and I hope at least a few of them can continue to play softball somewhere after high school.”
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