Cyclones eliminated by Warriors

After dismantling the OABCIG Falcons in the opening round of the playoffs, the HCHS varsity softball team went on the road for their second playoff game against the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Warriors, who jumped on them early and knocked them out of the playoffs by winning 10-0.

“We knew they had some strong hitters,” said HCHS Head Softball Coach Toshia Kasperbauer. “They came out swinging and put the ball in play.”

Junior Jenna Gessert got the ball for the Cyclones and pitched 5.1 innings. Senior Jordan Heese and junior Ella Plagman came up with the two hits on the night for HCHS.

“The girls have nothing to hang their heads about,” she said. “I thought they battled offensively. Even though we did not put any runs of the board, the girls were making hard contact, but unfortunately it was just at people and not in the gaps.”

Coach Kasperbauer took the time to acknowledge the seniors who won’t be returning and who played their final game for Harlan Community High School.

“Kelsi [Hoffman] stepped into a role that she has never played before,” Kasperbauer said. “I liked her attitude and willingness to work to get to know the catching position. Tianna [Kasperbauer] and Jordan knew their positions, so I needed them to be vocal on the field and always talk to their teammates.”

While the season ended quicker than the Cyclones would’ve liked it to, Kasperbauer did acknowledge what she is most proud of this season.

“We started off with a tough schedule,” she said. “Our bats were not as solid at the beginning of the season as well. I was proud of the girls for not giving up. They still came to practice every day and worked to get better.”