The Gehlen Catholic softball season came to an end in walk-off fashion on Wednesday night in Fonda losing to No. 8 Newell-Fonda by the score of 7-6.
The Jays were not fazed by being the underdog to a perennial power like Newell-Fonda. The Jays jumped on the Mustangs early scoring three runs in the top of the first inning and leading 6-3 after the top of the fourth. Head coach Tony Kerkvliet says he loved the effort his team showed.
The early offensive onslaught was a big surprising for the Jays who had to leave earlier than anticipated due to the forecasted weather in the area. With a 3:00 first pitch, the preparedness was a bit of a wild card. Coach Kerkvliet says it caught him off guard how well they played right away.
The Mustangs did not back down either as they steadily chipped away at Gehlen’s lead. They ultimately scored two runs in the sixth that tied the game and one more run to win it in the bottom of the seventh. Coach Kerkvliet says the Mustangs have great balance offensively that makes them tough to face off with.
The loss ends Gehlen’s season at 14-11 and closes the book on two senior careers. Isabel Lammers and Grace Kellen concluded their softball careers with the loss. Coach Kerkvliet says they were great people to have as part of the team.
This year’s Gehlen softball team certainly turned some heads and proved some people wrong with how well they played. Coach Kerkvliet hopes that this momentum will carry into next summer and make for another great season.
Newell-Fonda advances with a record of 22-11 and will take on North Union on Friday night in the semifinal round of the regional tournament.
