The Becker Varsity softball team advanced to the final four of section play this past week.

Becker Vs. Princeton

Last Wednesday, the Bulldogs hosted the Princeton Tigers for the first round section playoff game. The Bulldogs seemed to have the upper hand after they beat the Tigers in two previous games. That didn’t stop the Tigers from giving it their all and coming out the winners with a final score of 2-1. 

In the bottom of the third, Jackie Neumann hit a single and later scored on a two-out double hit by Kaylyn Patnode. The Tigers would tie the game in the top of the fourth when one of their batters hit a single and then scored off of a double. The Tigers attempted to nab another run, but they were shut down by Lily Warren’s throw to home plate. However, the Tigers got that important second run later in the inning. 

The Bulldogs attempted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh, but fell short.

Neumann went 4-4 and Lauren Ergen added two hits as well. Jaimee Cook took the loss on the mound by giving up two runs on eight hits while also striking out five players.

Becker Vs. Monticello

Reeling from the loss, the Bulldogs moved on to the elimination bracket where they first received a bye and then would face the third seeded team, Monticello Magic. 

The Bulldogs came into the game as the underdogs after the Magic beat them twice before. 

That did not deter the Bulldogs as they went on to beat the Magic, 7-0 in their best game of the season. 

In the top of the second, the Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead after Lauren Ergen singled and then later scored on a Jaimee Cook single. 

Four more runs were scored for the Bulldogs in the top of the fifth. Patnode, Ergen, and Cook each had RBI base hits to take the 5-0 lead. An additional two runs were added in the top of the sixth to settle the scoring. 

Leaders on offense included Patnode (4-4), Cook (3-3), Ady Petty (2-3), and Norah Fitzpatrick (2-4). Cook went all seven innings and allowed just six hits while also striking out five Magic players.

Coming Up

The Bulldogs advanced to the final four where they will first play Big Lake. If they beat Big Lake, the Bulldogs will then play either St. Francis or Delano.