By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– For the first time since 1996, the Salem Academy Softball team are heading to the 2A/1A State Semifinals following their 6-5, comeback from behind victory over Regis Friday afternoon.
The squad was down at one point, going into the bottom half of the third inning, down 5-0 to the Rams before beginning their comeback.
Four years ago, they didn’t have a squad. Three years ago, they won nine games. Last year, they reached the 2A/1A State Quaterfinals before falling to North Douglas.
It’s been a culmination of the last four years that eventually saw them get to this point.
“It’s just a testament to the girls,” said Crusader Head Coach Derek Imig. “And the hard work that they put in. These seniors were sophomores when we started the program up and going through the growing pains of winning nine games and sticking with it. Having a big step last year, obviously, and then another step this year.
“We play hard, play for each other, and play for God.”
Salem Academy scored twice in the third, then added runs in the fourth and fifth innings to make a once five-run deficit into a more manageable 5-4 deficit going into the sixth.
After their slow start to the game at the plate, they gave themselves a chance late.
“When you get down 5-0, it feels like more than five. But we were able to put up two, then one and one, and our bats were improving,” said Imig. “Even the outs that were getting were productive outs. Groundours, fly-balls to move the runners over, and I think that’s culminated with clear eyes in that seventh inning. Got some walks and got some hits when we needed them.”
Regis, who were looking for their first State Semifinal appearance since 2011, got the first out by way of an Addie Bishop strikeout.
Then Salem Academy got patient at the plate as they collected two doubles. The second, by way of Addie Brault, tied the game at five.
The Crusaders loaded the bases before Regis got the our at second. But then Jocelyn Brault got ahold of one. Getting it enough to get it by Regis’ Outfield to drive in the winning run.
For the Rams, who finished the year 19-3, it was a bittersweet ending to a great season. 2A/1A State Quaterfinalist. 2A/1A Special District 3 Champions at 15-0 as they hope to take that next step next spring.
“These girls worked so hard this season, we’ve improved so much and just to be at this point at the Quarterfinals, it’s just awesome,” said Regis Assistant Coach Tim Manning. “And to have the chance to get to the Semi’s, it doesn’t get any better than that. It’s a heartbreaker for us because the girls played their hearts out. At the end of the day, when you go out there and give 100 percent, you just have to tip your hat to the team that beat you. They played really well, they got some hits when they needed them. Pitchers stayed strong the whole game, hats off to Salem Academy.”
Salem Academy’s Addi Bennett struck out 13 batters, and Addie Bishop struck out 11 batterd to lead the Rams. Bishop also drove in two runs for Regis, and Addie Brault drove in three runs on two hits for Salem Academy.
Salem Academy will host the two-time defending 2A/1A State Champions in Grant Union/Prarie City on Tuesday at Salem Academy.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
