The Oakland Rockets capped off a 5-0 showing at the USA Softball of Nebraska CLASS D Fastpitch State Championship at the Bill Smith Softball Complex in Hastings, NE on Sunday with a 10-0 win over BDS (Bruning-Davenport/Shickley) to claim the state title.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this team.” head coach Nikki Ray shared. “Because so many of these girls are multi-sport athletes, we get a later start to our season, but once we begin, we go all in!”
And all in they were from the first pitch of the season to the last out.
“The growth this group showed over the past few months was truly unbelievable. They came to practice every day with a purpose, worked hard, and continued to push one another to improve.”
In the final game on Sunday, Oakland set the tone early with five baserunners in the first inning and scoring four runs. Ava Mahnke, Hilary Ray, Louden Pelan and Brinley Burton each reached with base hits and Briar Ray got on via a walk. Pelan scored in the third inning after she reached base with a one out single and came around to score after a Kellyn Knaak single. The Rockets added five runs in the fourth inning, three of which came off the bat of Burton with a one out double.
Hilary Ray recorded seven strikeouts in the championship game, finishing the tourney with a total of 41 in the five games.
The Rockets defeated Fearless-Holm in the opening round 4-2, behind a 2-3 offensive effort by Hilary Ray. The O-C junior-to-be collected a single and a triple in the opener.
Round two saw the Rockets take a 6-0 win over WNS Wildfire. The fourth inning in the second-round win proved pivotal with nine Rockets coming to the plate while scoring five runs. Briar Ray delivered a two-out single that scored two runs in the inning.
In the Saturday night game three, Oakland erupted for seven runs in the sixth inning on its way to a 13-0 win over Crofton. Marysa Moseman went 2-2 and reached a third time on a walk. Mahnke reached four times and scored three times in the win. Lily Peterson went 2-4 with a pair of singles and two runs scored.
In the final tune-up before the championship, the Rockets scored three runs in the first, two in the third and added three more in the fourth to beat BDS 8-1. Hilary and Briar Ray each finished 3-3 and scored three runs apiece to lead the Rocket attack.
“The way the team showed up and competed this past weekend is difficult to put into words,” Ray said. “Their hitting, pitching, catching, and fielding were phenomenal. Over five games, they scored 41 runs while allowing only three. That kind of performance reflects the heart, preparation, and determination of this entire team.”
The championship is all the more special when you realize just how hard the girls had to work.
“We are one of the few teams in the state that doesn’t have a high school softball program, doesn’t hold tryouts, and isn’t a club team. What these girls have accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary!”
The team wishes to thank everyone who has supported them throughout the season.
“The players, coaches, parents, and fans made this season and this weekend even more special. I will forever cherish these memories and feel incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to coach this amazing group!”
