The Westside softball team took on Millard west at home. Last season Millard West beat the girls 5-2. But this season the girls fought till the last inning for the win 2-1 against Millard West.
The game was really important to the girls as Millard West is ranked no.3 in the state. Senior Hadley Hansen, who hit the game winning solo homerun talks about what this means for the team.
“The walk-off was a massive step in the right direction for the team. That win should boost our confidence, and our ability to battle against top tier teams in the future,” Hansen said.
Head coach Mike Leapley talks about how much of a game changer this win is for the rest of the season.
“Not sure it’s a game changer. It’s a big win for the team. I’m thrilled for the players. They have worked so hard to get to this point. They know what it takes. Last night was a big step for Westside softball,” Leapley said.
Senior Hannah Miller who pitched the game only gave up four hits and one run over seven innings. Miller talks about how bad she wanted the win.
“I really wanted to make it easy on my team, I tried to produce productive outs so we could make plays,” Miller said. “It was really important to me to win the game to help us get closer to hosting a district.”
Hansen was a major impact on the plate, she went two for four to lead the Warriors in hits. Hansen talks about how it felt to take the lead.
“ I am thrilled that I was able to go two for four to take the lead for my team. I had good at-bats the entire game and was seeing the ball super well. It’s always a great feeling when you can hit the ball,” Hansen said.
The girls played strong on offense and defense last night, coach Leapley talks about the importance of playing strong on both sides.
“Last night it showed. Hannah Miller was strong in the circle. The defense made some outstanding plays. Kam Lawson with a diving catch in right field. Taryn Lewis with a nice play at short. Hadley Hansen with a shot to center field to win the game. Have to be ready for the moment when it comes to both offense and defense,” Leapley said.
The Warriors didn’t commit a single error on the field, Miller talks about what that means for the team.
“Errors can be a complete game changer, in the game we had zero and I think that led it closer to knowing we will win the game,” Miller said.
Coach Leapley explains his starting lineup for this specific game, and how he knew it was important.
“Every day at lunch, I sit down and reflect on the last few games and hitting practices. What type of pitcher are we going to face in this game? Players are on hot streaks and cold streaks. The great thing about this team is that they know at any given time, they have to be ready when their name is called, ” Leapley said.
Overall this win had a huge impact on the girls upcoming season. You can catch the Warriors in action in the metro tournament Sep. 12 through Sep. 15 at Papillion landing.
