by Bea Peterson
Rachel Quackenbush struck out 15 batters, but it wasn’t enough in Saturday’s game against Rhinebeck at Waterloo High School. It was an unearned run on a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning that did HFCS in. “One mistake is all it takes, and it cost us the game. We just couldn’t hit the ball good enough to win,” said
Coach Charlie Weeden. Rhinebeck’s Megan Michie varied the speed and placement of her pitches and HF just couldn’t get a decent hit. In the sixth inning Jenna Priore singled to left field, followed by a pop-up to the shortstop by Rachel Quackenbush for the second out of the inning. Priore was caught stealing second to end the game.
It was a good game to watch as at any given time the balance could have shifted. Both teams played well. The final score was 1-0.
This HF softball team (25-5) made it to the semifinals, a goal that has not been achieved by any HF softball team since 1993.
There’s always next year. Coach Weeden knows he has some good players, but he’s losing key players in seniors Kayla Brownell, Emily Ciuk, Jackie Kimball, Nicole LaCroix and Carly Pine. “We’ve got to hit the ball better,” said Coach Weeden. “I just have to figure out how they can do that.”
Rhinebeck went on to defeat Tioga 6-1 to win the State title. Hoosick Falls received the Sportsmanship Award.
