Three out of four of the game-defining moments went against Atlantic as the Trojans’ season came to an end with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Centerville Redettes on Saturday. In a close ball game, the margin was razor thin, and only a few key plays made the difference. After the Redettes led off the game with a homer, everything stayed until the fifth. However, an error and a chance play gave Centerville a 2-0 lead. Payton McLaren came through for the Trojans on both sides of the ball. Striking out six, she kept the game close defensively. At the plate, she connected with a solo shot to pull Atlantic within one in the final inning. However, it would not be enough as Kaylee Davis was just as good and shut the door on a Trojan regional semi-final comeback.

The first defining moment came in the very first at-bat of the game. Payden Hoffman was behind in the count to McLaren but patiently waited for her pitch and drew the count full. Then she found it. Hoffman pulled one high and deep down the line that sailed over the foul pole, staying fair by a few feet at most to give the Redettes a 1-0 lead. Atlantic had a chance to respond in the next inning when Lila Widerstein got 60 feet away via a double and a stolen base. Zoey Kirchoff sent a line drive over the wall, but it was well foul. Ultimately, she was not able to bring Wiederstein in.

From this moment on, the game became a pitcher’s duel. McLaren was outstanding, throwing all seven innings, including a stretch where she struck out five in a row. However, Davis was able to match McLaren every step of the way. Although the Trojans didn’t strike out much, Davis induced relatively soft contact early. As the game progressed, the contact got louder, but the defensive positioning of Centerville ensured most of the hit balls were right in their path.

With two outs in the fifth, Atlantic seemed destined to keep the game 1-0. However, the next two defining moments would quickly follow each other. Kenley Schilling hit one hard to short, which ricocheted off a glove to keep the inning alive. With Hoffman up to the dish, the Atlantic outfield moved back towards the warning track. However, what came off her bat was not a bomb but a bloop. In a magnificent effort, Maddison McLaren came racing in from left field, dove, and snowconed the ball. However, it trickled out when her glove hit the ground, allowing Schilling to score from first, giving the Redettes a 2-0 lead.

In the final inning, down by two, Payton McLaren came through at the plate. Getting a hold of one, she sent one over the wall in left-center to cut the deficit to one with only one out. However, Davis would quickly recover, picking up her second strikeout of the game and inducing a comebacker to send Centerville to the Regional Final. Head coach Terry Hinzmann was pleased with his team’s effort especially with Payton McLaren’s ability to rebound after giving up the leadoff homer run.

Although the offense never truly got going, he felt like his team did all they could against tough competition.

For McKenna Sonntag it was her last game in a Trojan uniform and Hinzman couldn’t have been prouder with her determination, dedication, and impact on this team.

Moving forward Hinzmann is hopeful that the returners will be able to take the next step, However, it all starts now.

Although the Trojans were unable to reach the Regional Final, it was still a remarkable season, finishing with a 27-14 record. The team will lose just one senior, returning almost everyone on an already solid team. Coupled with the individual improvements, the future is bright for Trojan Softball.