Lady Cardinals Honor Seniors In Final Home Game
Senior softball players Liz Hunsaker, Alyssa Camp, Kaylie Peterborg, and Kinley Ozburn
Jody Reeves
The Lady Cardinals softball team finished off the regular season with a pair of tough losses but fought hard in both games. On Friday, Soda Springs traveled to Bear Lake to take on the Bears. Early in the game it was a defensive battle. Through the first three innings only one run was scored between the two teams. That run was scored by the Bears. The Bears went on a run, adding to their 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. The Cardinals ended the inning trailing 6-0. Soda finally got on the board in the top of the fifth, but did so with just a single run, sending the game to the sixth inning trailing 6-1. In the sixth, the Bears added to their total and entered the final inning leading 10-1. Soda did their best to mount a comeback, but only ended up managing to score two more runs. Soda dropped the final regular season game by the score of 10-3.
Just two days prior to that loss, the Cardinals hosted Malad in their final home game of the year. Hosting the top seeded team in the state on senior night is a tall order for any team. Soda entered the game with their sights set on playing spoilers to Malad’s attempt at a perfect season. The Dragons quickly dashed those hopes, as they took a commanding lead in the top of the first inning, scoring seven total runs. The Cardinals struggled to even get on base in their first at bat. Malad continued to roll in the second and increased the lead to 12-0. Despite getting some hits in the second, Soda once again failed to score and entered the fourth in a big hole. Malad finished the game with five more additional runs. With Soda failing to score a single run, this game ended early after just three innings.
Even with the tough loss on senior night, Coach Evans was proud of the four senior Cardinal players and had this to say about each girl.
“Kinley Ozburn has pitched for the Cardinals for four years. She has been someone the team can always count on. She’s always uplifting the team and only wants the best for her teammates.”
“Alyssa Camp has been a solid utility player for the Cardinals for four years. Alyssa doesn't complain and will play whenever you ask her to. She really stepped into the role of senior this year and has been a strong second baseman while being consistent at the plate.”
“Kaylie Petterborg has played outfield for the Cardinals for four years. Kaylie works hard year round and it doesn't go unnoticed. She’s been a consistent right fielder and is someone the girls can count on to get the job done.”
“Liz Hunsaker has been with the Cardinals for three years. She started as a catcher but was developed into a first baseman. Liz’s bat came alive this year and ended the season with a .463 batting average. Liz is the life of the party.”
All of the seniors will be missed but will get another shot on the field as the playoffs begin.
