Emery High’s softball team had a tough draw in the state tournament last weekend and was eliminated in two straight games 10-0 to Judge and 7-1 to Pine View.
The Spartans faced one of the best pitchers in the state Thursday when they played Judge Memorial Catholic High School.
Unfortunately for Emery, Judge’s pitcher threw maybe her best game ever. She not only shut out the Spartans, but she threw a perfect game, not allowing even one batter on base. She recorded 11 strikeouts against the 15 people she faced. Judge won the game 10-0 in five innings.
Friday the Lady Spartans faced Pine View and got off to an early start.
After Holly Bell threw a perfect first inning, Emery loaded the bases with a hit by Tina Ward and walks by Cortni Jensen and Bell. But nothing came of the threat and the runners were stranded.
That was the theme for Emery the rest of the game: missed opportunities.
Pine View scored three runs in the second but Emery had another chance in the bottom of that inning. Another hit by Ward and walks by Amber Gardner and Brandi Jensen loaded the bases again. But the runners failed to score again.
In the bottom of the third Emery finally broke through when Cortni Jensen led off with a walk and three consecutive base hits scored her. The hits were by Bell, Stacie Giles, and Michelle Johansen.
But just when Emery seemed poised for a big inning it all crumbled on a line drive. The drive was caught, the Panther player stepped on her base and threw to home in time to complete a triple play.
Emery didn’t get another player on base the rest of the game.
They missed their opportunities early and had none late. The Spartans fell in their last game 7-1.
This marks the third year in a row Emery has met Judge in the state tournament and the Spartans are 0-3.
Softball is over for this year and the Spartans will miss players like Ward, Bell, and Brandi Jensen, but prospects are good for next year with several starters returning.
Tough Draw Ends Softball Team’s Tournament Dreams
