EATON — On a night when Eaton’s softball program honored its two seniors prior to its the final regular-season home game, the Eagles made sure they sent Grace Miller and Kathryn Madewell out on a high note once the game started.
Not only did Eaton knock off Cross County Conference champion National Trail, 5-2, on Monday, May 1, it was the seniors who gave the team a lift.
“I was real proud of our seniors, it was the best they both have played all year and I’m so glad that it came on their senior night, ” Eaton coach Maggie Neanen said after her team improved to 16-10 overall.
The game was scoreless heading into the home half of the third inning when Miller started it off with a base hit. Sophomore Quinlyn Sittloh followed with a double and Madewell followed with a sacrifice bunt to score Miller.
Junior Bailee Worley then drove in Sittloh to give Eaton a 2-0 lead.
Eaton tacked on three more runs in the game coming from sophomore Becca Mowen going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
Miller went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and Sittloh went 2-for-2 with a double.
Sophomore Annika Gels pitched a complete game, allowing three hits and striking out five.
“With the season coming to an end we ended regular season at 16-10, something I didn’t think would be possible at the beginning of the season when you look at our schedule,” Neanen said. “I am so proud of our young team for stepping up and getting 16 wins. We played five doubleheaders this season and winning every single one. We went 10-0 on Saturdays. I often make the comment I wish we could play every game on a Saturday because we play so well.”
The Eagles head into sectional tournament play as the No. 4 seed and the path is set for them to make a deep run into the postseason.
“Heading into the tournament we got the No. 4 seed which I believe is fantastic because the top three seeds are very good programs so getting the No. 4 seed again this year is another great accomplishment for our young team.,” Neanen said. “I believe fully that we can make it to districts this year with our side of the bracket, it’s the best set up we have had in my three years with the program and I am confident that our girls will get there.”
Eaton was scheduled to host No. 13 seed Dayton Belmont on Tuesday, May 9. If the Eagles win they will host No. 11 seed Dayton Carroll on Thursday, May 11. The sectional final is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16 at Dixie High School.
