Softball finishes .500 season at regionals

Another season is in the books for Holyoke High School softball, and this year’s record was an even .500. Though the Dragons won 11 of 22 games overall, their district record was an impressive 6-2, having lost only to Limon.

The final HHS game of the season was a regional contest against the Lyons Lions on Oct. 19 in Thornton. Of the 24 teams that qualified for the 3A regional tournament, Holyoke was ranked No. 21. The No. 12 Lyons won the game 17-2 in just three innings.

From coach Sherman Kage’s perspective, the Lions are “very disciplined.” They pitched well, hit well and capitalized on every little opportunity given to them. The strong senior leadership of Lyons is something the young Holyoke team can aspire to.

In the top of the first last Saturday, Lauren Herman and Shianne Willmon each got on base with a single. Subsequent strikeouts thrown by the Lyons pitcher, however, kept the Dragons from producing any runs before they headed to the field for the home half.

Lyons got things going right off the bat. A home run drove in two Lions, putting them ahead 2-0.

The second inning was once again scoreless for HHS. When the Lions went to bat, they doubled their score with two more runs.

Holyoke managed to get on the scoreboard in the third inning. Sarah Razo hit a triple and was batted in on a home run hit by Herman. Willmon hit a double and Sirissa Casady a single, but the away half ended with the Lions ahead 4-2.

The bottom of the third is where Lyons really took off, with several strong at-bats, including two home runs. The home score climbed to 17, enough to end the game after three innings because of the mercy rule. A 17-2 win gave the Lions a chance to play in the next regional game against Riverdale Ridge.

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