The state championship is seen to some as the pinnacle of high school sports. The final is the game where great teams can show off their talent and shine on the field, court or course. No stars would shine brighter on Monday, Oct. 20 than the Lincoln Southwest varsity softball team, who claimed their fifth state championship in program history against the Millard North Mustangs. Their knowledge of pitching, hitting, and baserunning proved to be beneficial, with the final score being 4-2.
There were many factors that went into this victory, including the pitching talent showcased by one particular Silver Hawk. Sophomore Maisey McCarty pitched seven innings of play and was able to wrangle the Mustangs, holding them to only two runs. She was collected on the mound, and with the help of her catcher, was able to strike out ten batters in total.
“I had to slow the game down and kept breathing when situations got tough,” McCarty said, “I just had to trust in my skills and know that everything was going to happen for the right reason.”
While the pitching was a big factor in Southwest’s success, the bats were also working this game for the Silver Hawks. One standout player was sophomore Raegan Brandt, who had three at-bats and a .667 batting average. When asked about her hitting process, she mentioned that a big part of her routine before stepping in the box is her faith. She draws a cross on the dirt and looks at her bat, reminding herself that God is with her through everything. State championships are the final game of the season, and therefore there is more pressure to perform well.
“The energy for the state games will take your breath away,” Brandt said. “There is so much more pressure and energy is through the roof, but we have to stay true to ourselves and play Silver Hawk softball.”
Between the players on the field and supporters in the stands, the level of play that both teams displayed was evident. But, Lincoln Southwest softball was able to pull through with teamwork and determination in order to secure a championship win that would go in the Nebraska State Athletic Associaton (NSAA) history books.
“Winning state was a goal we set at the beginning of the season and we talked about it every day at practice,” junior catcher Morgan Gabel said. “It was always at the front of our mind and to end the season on top felt so good.”
