On August 19, the Hastings High softball team played their first game of the season. They kicked the season off by playing Grand Island Northwest.
With Ashley Speak as the Tigers head coach and amazing players the final score was 9-8.
“Everytime we play Northwest it seems to be a dog fight, where both teams bring what they got so you hope for the best and plan for the worst,” Speak said
According to Speak, both teams played a great game. The game went for a long three hours and thirty-seven minutes as the Tigers buried the Vikings.
“In the beginning we put up some early runs which was helpful, in pinching we struggled but it progressed early on,” Speak said.
Speak explained that after the four run lead, the Tigers let the Vikings back in the game. After putting up a fight, it made them a better and stronger team having a game like that early in the season.
When Hastings was winning, Northwest fought back, bringing on the extra inning.
“Northwest always comes after us and gives us a good game, and to win the first game is huge” Speak said.
Thanks to the Viking’s battle, the game ended after nine innings. In the last inning,junior Samantha Schmidt hit a home run. This run propelled the team forward.
The Tigers’ determination also played a factor in the eventual win.
“Faith Molina having the grit of having a runner on third base with less than two outs and being able to shut them down was huge for the team,” said Speak.
“At the end of the day when you come away with a ‘w’ you gotta be happy with your team’s success” Speak said.
