All it took was one swing of the bat.
Junior Sierra Norman delivered a two-run homer with two out in the bottom of the seventh inning to give Columbus North a thrilling 5-4 come-from-behind victory over Jennings County on senior night.
"All I was trying to do was get a base hit and move my runners and get ourselves in the best position that I can to get the run across the plate," Norman said. "(This win) meant a lot to me because I know it meant a lot for our seniors and my other teammates, so it was really important to get that win so that they could leave this field knowing we got the ‘W.’"
Before the game, the Bull Dogs honored seniors Bailey Lofton, Jenna Fath and Brooke Rice.
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"It didn’t really feel like senior night. I feel like I have a whole season to go. It’s been a real short, quick season because of the rainouts," Lofton said. "For Sierra and all the underclassmen to win that game for us, that was a big goal for them, even though they didn’t tell us. It was a big goal for them, and I really appreciated it. I don’t think they really know how much it means not only to me, but to the other two girls, too."
Rachel Cowan broke a scoreless tie when she blasted a two-run homer in the bottom of the third off Panther pitcher Gabby Mahoney to give the Bull Dogs (12-8) a 2-0 lead.
Jennings (18-6) got one back in the top of the fourth when Haley Engelking drove in Lexi South with a single to make it 2-1. The Panthers grabbed the lead in the top of the fifth when Kylee Matern smacked a two-run homer to for a 3-2 advantage.
In the top of the sixth, Jennings picked up a solo homer from Carissa Sabelhaus to make it 4-2. North then got a run back in the bottom half of the inning by taking advantage of a Panther error to make it 4-3.
Brooke Bruin then got the Bull Dog rally started with a double, setting up Norman’s walkoff homer. Norman finished 2 for 2 with a double and a home run.
North freshman pitcher Peri Foust was dominant in the circle early on. She had a rough patch late in the game. Overall, she gave up four runs on six hits while striking out 10 to earn the win.
"We’re playing really well," North coach Ron McDonald said. "The nice thing about this year is that we’ve won so many games by so many different ways. It’s been a good ride so far. Jennings County has got a great team, and Bobby (Willis) is a great coach. We’re having a great year so far, especially since we’re so young."
Since losing to crosstown rival Columbus East on April 15, the Bull Dogs have won 10 of the past 12 games and are peaking at the right time. North travels to play Hauser in the season finale Thursday, and then faces East Central in the first round of the Bloomington South Sectional on Tuesday.
McDonald appreciated the contributions the seniors have made this year.
"They been with me since I’ve been here. Brooke and Jenna don’t get to play as much this year, but I’ve told them that they were as valuable on this team as any other member because of what they’ve given to the team," McDonald said "I told them that they were outstanding for being great team players and always being positive. What they’ve done for this program is the reason why where we’re at right now.
"Bailey has been on fire for us this year. She hit four home runs in two games. Tonight, she hit the ball well. Really, all of our kids are starting to hit the ball well. They’re really coming on strong."
