As the dust has settled, the Strasburg softball team can finally get a grasp on how this amazing run to end its season has come to an end.
The Tigers won seven tournament games to get to the final game and got the chance to a win an eighth state title that has eluded the school since 2013.
But in the end No. 1 state ranked Hillsdale and senior standout pitcher Sydney Long was too much for the No. 3 Tigers, as the Falcons won 5-0 behind Long’s one-hit shutout.
In fact the Falcons treated every game in the tournament the same. They won every game by virtue of a shutout, outscoring their opponents 43-0 in the seven total games they played. Long didn’t allow a run in any game and didn’t give up no more than six hits in any of those games.
As rich tradition as Strasburg softball is, Hillsdale has been right beside them the entire time. With the Falcons winning, they tied Strasburg with seven state title. It was there sixth since 1994.
But the Tigers have nothing to be ashamed of and for senior power hitter Emma Clark, it was an amazing season for her and her team.
“It feels very amazing that we made it to the state’s final game this season,” said Clark. It wasn’t the outcome we hoped for but we made it further than anyone ever expected us to this season.”
Clark finished the season with 12 home runs, which tied with her sister Carly (Clark) Mayle for a school record. She hit her 12th home run in the state semifinal game, a solo blast in the second inning that helped her team to a 7-0 win over Defiance Tinora.
“I always expect more of myself. My goal for homers this year was actually 15. I was keeping a very close eye on it this year mainly because I wanted to tie/beat my sister's record,” said Clark.
Clark, and the rest of this Tigers team played their hearts out and it showed in the end. This group behind veteran head coach Bud Weisgarber all understand the rich tradition of Strasburg softball and what it means to the community. The fans of Strasburg made up more then half the fans in both games it played.
“From a young age we are taught the importance of sportsmanship and hard work. Its 30 plus years of tradition that every age group wants to keep alive by making the state tournament. The fans also mean so much to us. There’s no better feeling than seeing what seems like the whole town a sea of orange that is there to support us all the way,” said Clark.
As Weisgarber enters his 35th season next year, Strasburg will start the season with the goal of getting back to the state tournament. The Tigers, who finished 23-6 this year, return a solid core of returning letterman including star pitcher Zoey Thomas. Other players to look out for next year include Ava Ray, Brynn Coles, Hannah Reifenschneider, Ashley Downin, Emalee Nave and Liv Lauvray. Also all the younger players coming up looking to make next year’s roster.
“Don’t ever give up. Not on yourself, your team or your community. Trust me, all the hard work that is put in before you get to high school will payoff and it will be so rewarding when you guys get to be the ones on the field at Firestone watching the sea of orange cheer you on. Also soak in the moments and memories because the days ahead of you are going to be some of your best yet. The seasons fly by so make the most of your four years you get in high school, and most importantly, have fun and play the game you always have,” said Clark about the young generation of Strasburg softball players that will be coming in to play in the future.
Reach Curtis at 330-364-8434
cduffield@timesreporter.com
Twitter: @TRCDuff