The Huskies narrowly defeated Stayton, 2-1, Thursday at home in the play-in round of state softball playoffs.
The Huskies advance in the playoffs at Cascade at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Stayton eliminated the Huskies from playoffs last year.
Stayton had its tying run at third in the seventh inning, but a tough Huskies defense stopped the Eagles just in time.
“It was awesome,” said Coach Casey Humphrey. “It was an exciting game to be a part of and to watch. We got a run in the first, which was very big for us.”
“It was a really close game,” said Emili Riggs. “It was really fun too. I’m felling really good right now. Our defense was amazing.”
With two outs, third hitter Megan Graville walked and then advanced to second on a pass ball, Humphrey said. Riggs hit the ball down the right field line to score Graville.
In the fourth, Riggs led off, reaching base on an error, Humphrey said. Megan Rubidoux bunted her to second. With two outs, Sierra Thayer sent a base hit right field to score Riggs.
Stayton scored in the sixth, Humphrey said. In the seventh, Stayton led with a base hit. The next hitter tried three times to bunt and advance the runner, but Graville struck her out. The next batter hit a double left field, and Shantel Pitts bobbled the ball a little then threw out the first runner at third.
With one on second and two outs, Stayton had a single that loaded first and third; but Graville struck out the next batter and finished the game.
At bat for the Huskies, Hailey Hummer went 1-3. Riggs went 1-3 with an RBI. Thayer went 1-2 with an RBI.
Hitting for Stayton were Jenna Leimbach, Katie Cozart Ashley Callahan and Tietrok. Cassie Cruz and Lindsay Hill hit doubles.
In the circle, Graville struck out three batters, one in the sixth and two in the seventh, and walked none. Riggs caught.
“I’ll tell you what, she had simply one of the most impressive games I’ve ever seen,” Humphrey said. Graville’s glove was “dynamite,” she took care of five or six potential hits with that glove.
Cruz pitched for Stayton, striking out 10 and walking one. Jordyn Sunghera caught.
Looking forward, Humphrey is confidence about Cascade. The Huskies played Cascade on May 15 and lost 9-7.
They had a bad opening and gave up five runs, he said, but they had a great fifth inning and scored six.
“They are a very good team, back-to-back state champions,” Humphrey said. The Cougars are well-coached, tough opponents.
But the Huskies can handle it, he said. “We’ve gotten to the point (down to 16 teams) everybody’s in reach. We are all good at this point.”
The Huskies will need another good showing from Graville, Humphrey said. At bats, the Huskies will focus on small ball and speed on bases, while playing fundamental defense with no mental errors.
“It’s very exciting,” Humphrey said. “I’m very excited where we’re at. We’re all believing in ourselves. We could do this.”
Stayton has defeated Cascade this year, he noted.
“If we have another pitching game like that and good hits, I think we can beat anybody,” Riggs said. Against Cascade, the Huskies had one bad inning. Take it away, and it was a win.
They’ll need to play the same great defense with the same phenomenal pitching, Riggs said. “It’s just whoever can get the timing.”
The Huskies also played Lebanon last week, on May 14, winning 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth,” Humphrey said.
Stayton 000 001 0 – 1 6 1
Sweet Home 100 100 x – 2 3 1