Tax day was April 15, but if Emerson (12-2) filed for an extension, it went ignored by the softball team (10-4). Hosting the first-in-District 11-5A Mavericks at The Nest Friday for the final game of the regular season, the third-place Redhawks walked away with a 4-1 upset win and split the series.
The team proved to be lethal both on offense and defense. The Redhawks recorded a .357 batting average and .419 OBP while freshman pitcher Beckley Baumgart and senior utility player/pitcher Addison Hanson combined to throw a no-hitter, only allowing the Mavericks a .192 OBP.
“It was a complete team win,” head coach Randi Hamilton said. “The defense played really well behind our pitchers. We had timely hitting and everyone contributed. We were tough across the board and even when we made a mistake, we bounced right back. They were able to get a run from a walk and an error, but we responded immediately the next inning.”
From only winning two of their first eight games at the start of the season to now making school history by entering the playoffs in consecutive seasons, Hamilton said she is extremely proud of the fight she has consistently seen from her team.
“We have grown tremendously throughout the year,” Hamilton said. “We have gotten better every game and I’m proud of how we just show up everyday ready to go to work and learn a little more.”
Baumgart concurred, saying that the team is always there for one another.
“Our whole team has been really supportive and cheering each other on on throughout the bats and just telling each other positive things to keep our heads in the right mindset,” Baumgart said.
