FORT DODGE — “The Best 18-24 Team You’ll Ever See,” said a poster on the back of the Solon softball team’s float during the Beef Days parade. They were the only team at the state tournament this year with a losing record, defying all odds. They needed another miracle to upset the number one seed and softball powerhouse, the Benton Bobcats in the first round of Class 3A action last Tuesday at Rogers Park in Fort Dodge.
After a tough first inning for the Lady Spartans, the odds were more and more against them. The last sliver of hope finally dissipated when freshman catcher Avery Babbit swung and missed at strike three for the final out of the game.
The Lady Spartans fell to the Bobcats 5-1. It was the quick start by Benton that made the difference. Solon pitcher Kendall Jensen loaded the bases in the first three batters. Then an error by the shortstop, Izzy Frees, allowed one run to score. Jensen had two outs with the bases loaded again. Benton took advantage and roped a bases clearing double to go up 4-0.
Solon head coach Brad Holub said, “The plan was to get one in the first inning and then put the pressure on them. We were close to getting out of that [first] inning and if we could’ve I think it might’ve been a different game.”
After the first inning, the team huddled during the break to catch their breath and settle down. Junior outfielder Addie Miller said, “We just talked about how we need to sharpen up our defense and get the bats going and we’ll be set.”
The rest of the way Solon proved they belong with the best as Jensen and the defense shut down the Benton offense, only allowing one run the rest of the way. An impressive feat considering Benton scored over ten runs in each of their postseason games this year. Holub said, “After that first inning it could’ve gotten away from us. But we battled, we scratched one run across.”
The one run for the Lady Spartans came using their bread and butter; patience at the plate and creating havoc on the basepaths. With runners on the corners, Holub signed to the runner at first, Keegan Kleppe, to attempt to steal second. Kleppe took off and Benton’s catcher threw the ball to second to attempt to get the out. When the throw left the catcher’s hand, Kayla Meseck sprinted home from third base to give the Lady Spartans some life.
That was all the offense could muster, however. Despite Jensen only allowing one run through the final five innings. It was not a sad moment for the girls after the game. The postgame huddle and walk off the field were done with smiles on their faces and their heads held high. They had completed their goal of making the state tournament even when the odds were not in their favor. Holub said, “Our season did not start as we thought it would. We had some kids out and some injuries. So, it was a little tougher. But we got hot at the right time, never stopped working and believed in one another.”
The loss sent Solon to the consolation brackets where they met the Midgets from Estherville Lincoln Central Wednesday morning in a battle for fifth place in Class 3A. Kendall Jensen scored the only run for the Lady Spartans, a solo homerun in the top of the second inning.
Solon, finishing the season at 18-26, was one of the youngest teams to make the tournament this year and have a bright future ahead. Six starters will return next season, five of which were freshmen this year. Holub said, “Hopefully since we got a taste, we can do a little better next year.”
The team will have to make up for the loss of three very important seniors on the team. Jensen, Meseck, and Bailey Wooley are all seniors and were everyday starters for the Lady Spartans. Holub said, “We lose three really good seniors. They’re going to be hard to replace but I think we are deep enough that we can come back and fill those holes, hopefully well.”
Four named to WaMaC West All-Conference teams
Izzy Frees, Addie Miller, Kayla Meseck, and Bailey Woolley were selected for WaMaC West All-Conference honors.
Frees, a junior, was a 1st Team pick as an outfielder and was also named to the Iowa Girls Coaches Association’s Class 3A NE All-District Team. She was a starter in 39 out of 40 games with a team high 50 hits including a dozen doubles and three triples with 19 RBIs and a .388 batting average. She led the team in stolen bases with 18. As an outfielder Frees made 66 putouts.
Miller, a junior, was a 1st Team pick as catcher. She produced 46 hits and was a starter in 41 of 42 games with six homeruns, one triple, and ten doubles with a team high 34 RBIs and a .407 batting average. Miller had 126 putouts this season.
Meseck, a senior, received WaMaC Recognition after starting 41 of 42 games this season with 20 hits including two doubles and one triple with 11 RBIs and a .200 batting average.
Woolley, a senior, also received WaMaC Recognition after starting 37 of 39 games with 25 hits including two doubles and 15 RBIs for a.210 batting average.
Editor Chris Umscheid contributed to this story.