It’s more than likely that the final play of any game that decides a winner will get talked about and scrutinized, but a head coach will often focus on events preceding that play that weighed heavy on the outcome.

While the bouncer up the middle off the bat of Ren Herschman, plating the winning run in the bottom of the eighth will garner the most attention, Zephyr head coach Blake Morgan knows that one play wasn’t the true story.

No, their ouster was due in large part to their double-digit LOB (left on base). They squandered 10 runners over the course of the game, and Morgan said that’s what led to their loss.

“That was the difference in the game,” said Morgan. “We just couldn’t get the hit to get the runs in.”

Earlier in the game, shortstop Abbey Reese made a sparkling defensive play, robbing Alexa Chromey of a hit when she ventured to deep short, gobbled up the ball, and delivered a seed to Gawrys at first. That play ended the threat as the Kids had put runners at the corners in the second inning. Later, Reese got an unfortunate in-between hop in the bottom of the eighth that bounded away from her, allowing the winning run to score.

Morgan knows that Reese will be hard on herself for not making that play, but he knows that stranding all those runners on base was the root cause.

“We had our opportunities,” he said.

The Zephyrs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning at Pates Park. Lindsey Gawrys drew a walk, followed by an infield single by Abbey Reese. Pitcher Madison Cunningham delivered with a two-run single, giving the visiting Zephs the early advantage.

That lead was cut in half when Rilee Ehrlacher homered in the Kids half of the third. Ehrlacher would also knock in the game-tying run in the seventh inning, bringing home courtesy runner Ryley Stanchock who had subbed for Jessica Hunt who had led off the inning with a double.

Cunningham battled throughout the game. She worked out of some jams and kept her team in the game.

Morgan appreciates what she brings to the field. Cunningham brings a wealth of experience and doesn’t give an inch. She’s fierce in the circle.

“She loves to go out there and compete,” said Morgan.

Morgan was also appreciative of the boisterous crowd. He said hearing the fans screaming and cheering was something the community needed. They were treated to an excellent high school softball game, two in fact, as the following game between Freedom and Parkland was also decided by one run.

Both teams laid it all on the line.

“It was a well-played, hard fought, emotional softball game,” said Morgan.

He was extremely proud of his team competing in that atmosphere. They gave it all they had.

“They don’t have anything to hang their heads over,” he said.

The Zephyrs will get back onto the field for the district tournament. Morgan said that it’s most likely they will get underway Thursday, May 27.