The Pike Lib Patriot softball team battled through three games before finishing fifth in the AISA state tournament on Friday.
“It was a bittersweet afternoon, especially for our seniors,” said head coach Allie Park. “But they had a great season, and I’m proud of all of them.”
The Patriots started the tournament against Morgan Academy. The Patriots fell by one run, 5-4, despite a strong showing at the plate by Ellie Barron, who was 3 -4, and Bailey Rushing, who was 2-3 with a home run. Shelby Baggett, Lexie Motes and Kayla Dendy all had singles in the game.
Kailee Taylor pitched the first game, recording 9 strikeouts.
Pike faced Monroe Academy in an elimination game, winning 112-3.
Barron was on the mound, recording eight strikeouts. Rushing led at the plate, going 4-4. Baggett, Barron, Kayla Benton and Motes were all 2-2, with home runs by Barron and Rushing.
Pike fell 9-2 to Springwood in the third game, with Taylor on the mound again with six strikeouts. Benton was 3-4 and Taylor was 2-4. Amanda Finlayson, Baggett and Rushing each reached with a single.
“The girls did a great job today representing Pike,” Park said. “ They’re all around good students and athletes.”