BLOOMINGTON — As Lucy Norman’s popup to the pitcher was in the air, a collective groan could be heard from the Columbus North supporters. It was sure to be the last out of the game and season for the Bull Dogs.
Trailing host Bloomington South 7-6 in the last of the seventh with two runners on and two out, the season was supposed to end. But, it didn’t.
The popup was dropped, giving North new life. Enter Emalee Heafner.
The freshman walked to the plate and calmly hit a rocket up the middle, scoring pinch-runner Angenzi Gonzalez and Norman for the walkoff 8-7 win and a berth in tonight’s Bloomington South Sectional final.
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“I haven’t had the confidence this year like I should, so I just told myself to stay calm because my team needs me. I am so happy that I came through for our team and especially our seniors,” Heafner said.
The Panthers (7-17) played long ball to break into the scoring column in the top of the first. After two quick outs to begin the game, Lizzie Halstead was hit by a pitch. That was followed by back to back home runs by Jessica Young and Lexie McGlothlin to give Bloomington South an early 3-0 lead.
The Bull Dogs (14-8) answered right back with a run of their own in the bottom of the first when Rachel Cowan went deep over the center field fence for North’s first run. After holding the Panthers scoreless in the their half of the second, the Bull Dogs tied the game in their half on two unearned runs.
Peri Foust singled to left. Brooke Bruin laid down a sacrifice bunt and the throw to first ended up in right field to allow Foust to score from first and Bruin to move to third. Emalee Heafner then hit a shot that the first basemen could not handle, allowing Bruin to score and tie the game at 3-3.
Bloomington South, however, struck again in the fourth. McGlothlin singled with one out. She moved to second of a fielder’s choice. With two out in the inning, an error, two singles, and a triple quickly put four runs on the board, giving the Panthers a 7-3 lead after four innings.
It was with two outs in the fourth that North coach Ron McDonald decided to bring Foust to the circle.
“Peri threw really well the other night, and I think that Rachel was a bit off tonight, so I decided to bring Peri in a little earlier than expected. And she did a phenomenal job,” McDonald said.
Foust held the Panthers scoreless over the next three innings to set up the dramatic finish. Overall, she threw 3 1/3 innings, striking out six and not giving up a run.
“I felt good out there tonight. I think I was part of the pitching plan, but I wasn’t sure when. I just wanted to come in and do my best. I didn’t want to let our seniors down. I think I am almost back to where I was before I got hurt,” Foust said.
After holding Bloomington South at bay in the top of the fifth, the Bull Dogs offense showed their teeth in their half of the fifth. A Sierra Norman single, followed by a Cowan double and a walk to Bailey Lofton loaded the bases with nobody out. Meghan Waggoner then singled up the middle, scoring Norman and Cowan. Bruin then hit a deep fly ball to center scoring courtesy runner Carmen Rice with North’s third run of the inning to cut the Panther lead to 7-6 after five, setting up what turn out to be a dramatic victory.
“Well, we have found a way to win all year,” said McDonald. “I am so proud of these kids. They gutted
it out, and we won ugly. Now, I know we will have to play better tomorrow night (for the sectional
championship), but this was one of our goals at the beginning of the season.”
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The Columbus East vs. Bloomington North semifinal game in the Bloomington South softball sectional ended to late for today’s publication. For results, visit therepublic.com or see Saturday’s paper.
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