Memorial softball come up short at semi-state; Tecumseh, Barr-Reeve state-bound
JASPER — Sometimes, it is just not meant to be.
After winning the semi-state semifinal against Cathedral on Saturday, June 6, Memorial softball was just one game away from a trip to West Lafayette for the IHSAA Class 3A state championship. But in the end, the Tigers fell a game short after a 4-1 loss to New Palestine in the semi-state title game.
A few players played their last game for Memorial in the loss to New Palestine, including Annie Blackburn, Madison Thomas and Ellie Eden. Memorial coach Rick Lutz said it will be impossible to replace what his seniors have brought.
But for the returners, this experience was invaluable as they look forward to next season.
“This is immeasurable for the kids because we’re playing better competition,” Lutz said. “That’s what we’re trying to do throughout the year so when you get these kinds of games you are ready for them. The more games you can play like this just helps you in the future.”
3A semi-state semifinal: Memorial knocks off Cathedral
Memorial started off its opening game knowing New Palestine would await the winner. Regardless, the Tigers started the semifinal like they had all the motivation they needed inside their own dugout.
Memorial’s seniors Blackburn and Thomas started things off with two runs in the first inning that stemmed from two Cathedral errors at third base and home plate. Then in the second, a sacrifice bunt from Olivia Wollenmann brought Liana Hartman home for Memorial’s third run.
It appeared as if the Tigers would run away with this one, but Cathedral began to slowly build its own momentum. A Memorial double play limited what could have been the breakthrough for Cathedral in the fifth inning, but you could sense the growing belief in the dugout and the stands.
This game was far from over.
Heading into the sixth, it remained 3-0. Cathedral would get two runners on base with no outs, leading to a Memorial huddle at the mound.
One batter later, the bases were loaded. A sacrifice fly gave Cathedral its first run. But credit to Bri Canaan and the Memorial defense, as that proved to be the only run allowed in the inning.
After a scoreless bottom sixth, Cathedral’s last chance was here. Canaan started it off with a strikeout.
Then came a walk in the following at-bat. After that, a bunt landed the hitter at first safely. A wild pitch from Canaan advanced the runners to second and third.
Tension was rising. With two outs, a fielding error on a ground ball led to a Cathedral run. The score was 3-2, with two outs and the tying run at third.
In the next at-bat, a bunt popped up behind home plate that was caught by Cypress Aliotta for the second out. One remaining for the Tigers to advance.
That ended up being the case as a ball was grounded to right and thrown to first for the easy out. It was revenge for Memorial after last year’s loss to Cathedral at this stage.
“We ran into a little trouble, but the defense has been good all year,” Lutz said. “They stiffened up and Bri threw the pitches that she needed to throw. That’s what got us through, especially in this last inning she really came through with clutch pitches.”
Heartbreaking loss in semi-state final
It was a different story against New Palestine, a team that put up 14 runs in their semifinal.
The support was noticeable for Memorial as well, ready to see its team take another step forward.
Despite the loss, it was not all bad for Memorial.
The Tigers ended the top of the first with a Nevaeh Wise diving catch in right field. They opened the scoring in the bottom of the first courtesy of a Thomas home run to center field that brought the Memorial crowd on their feet. In the next at-bat, Aliotta double.
It seemed to be a similar trend forming in Jasper until New Palestine limited the damage to just one run. Credit to Sadey Hughbanks, New Palestine’s pitcher, who made things tough for Memorial for much of this game.
Fast forward to the fourth, New Palestine got on the board. It looked to be a demoralizing outcome with the Tigers already registering two outs before allowing the tying run to score. Even worse, it came from a fielding error after the runner had stopped at third.
While it was only tied, the pressure on Memorial was mounting. At the same time, Memorial’s offense failed to generate much.
Then in the sixth, another error led to New Palestine landing runners on first and second base. What followed was the dagger that put an end to the Tigers’ season.
A three-run homer into center field for New Palestine. For the first time at semi-state, Memorial was trailing.
An unfortunate end for the Tigers, but a loss to a worthy opponent. Still, Memorial has now won back-to-back sectional and regional championships for the first time in its history while also making two consecutive semi-state championship appearances.
They might not have realized it immediately, but those girls have accomplished something that will stick with the program far beyond their time at the school. During his postgame speech, Lutz made sure his players knew how proud he is to be their coach.
“Towards the end of the season, we really came together as a team,” Lutz said. “They’re a great group of kids.”
Other Evansville area softball semi-state results
4A semifinal: Center Grove 14, Castle 1
- Knights’ Ella Pickard contributed an RBI in the season-ending loss.
2A semifinal: Tecumseh 12, Southmont 0
- 11 strikeouts for Tecumseh’s Audrey Seiler. Madelyn Isaacs hit a grand slam.
2A championship: Tecumseh 14, Eastern Hancock 0
- 12 strikeouts for Seiler. Shae Bailey went 3-for-3, including a two-run home run. You can read more about Tecumseh online at courierpress.com or in the Tuesday print edition of the newspaper.
1A semifinal: Barr-Reeve 6, Indianapolis Lutheran 5
- Five runs in final two innings for Barr-Reeve to win. Seven strikeouts for Charley Paurazas and 2-for-4 hitting.
1A championship: Barr-Reeve 6, West Washington 2
- JJ Knepp went 2-for-3, including a solo home run. Sydney Wilson also hit a solo homer on 2-for 3 hitting.
Both Barr-Reeve and Tecumseh will play in IHSAA state championship games Saturday, June 13 at Purdue University in West Lafayette. Barr-Reeve will play at 4:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. CT, with Tecumseh to follow at approx. 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT. Tecumseh will play Western Boone, while Barr-Reeve’s opponent is yet to be determined, as weather postponed the 1A North semi-state games to Monday.
Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Barr-Reeve, Tecumseh softball win semi-state; Memorial falls short
