NASHVILLE — Hauser sophomore Sydney Schoen thought she let her team down when a line drive went in her direction but went past her after it took a bad hop.
That play eventually led to a Brown County run. But in the bottom half of the inning, Schoen redeemed herself. With the bases loaded, she smacked a line drive in the outfield to send in two runs for the Jets, and a throwing error by Brown County produced a third.
The Class A Co-No. 1 Jets put up five runs in that first inning and never looked back on the way to a 12-2, five-inning win against the Eagles in the Brown County softball tournament championship game Saturday.
Schoen displayed great patience under pressure in a crucial situation.
“I had to stay calm when I was at the plate, and I had to stay back and wait for my pitch,” she said.
This is Schoen’s first year on the team after competing in track her freshman year. She has been enjoying every minute of it, noting that the team has made her feel welcome from day one.
Being repeat champions in the tournament is extra special for seniors Leslie Sims, Abby Kidwell, Sidney Giles and Kali Schumacher, who helped Hauser remain unbeaten on the year at 7-0.
“The feeling is indescribable,” Sims said. “It’s been a long week for us, and getting two wins against two really good teams — it feels good.”
This was the Jets’ fifth win in less than 96 hours, and the Jets needed every ounce of energy to pull out a championship.
“They rose to the occasion, that’s for sure,” Hauser coach Craig Sims said. “I was proud of them, and they kept battling, because it has been a grind for us recently having three of those days on the road.”
With the loss, Brown County is now 4-4 on the season. Coach Kevin Greve liked how his team kept fighting against the defending state champions in Class A.
“One thing I like about the girls on the team is that they will never quit and they’ll play until the end,” Greve said. “Coach Sims has a great program over there and has a good feel for his team. They put a lot of pressure on you, and they keep playing aggressive.”
In the consolation game, Brownstown Central was able to pick up five runs in the top of the seventh inning and hold on for an 8-6 win after a Columbus North rally in the bottom half of the seventh came up short.
“We had our chances,” North coach Robyn Coffer said. “Every pitch and every play, we have to execute. When we get on base, we have to push a run through.”
Earlier in the day, Hauser topped North, 5-0. In the opening game, Brown County was able to squeak past Brownstown Central 2-0, with both runs coming in the second inning.
