The Soldotna softball team ended its season and honored its seniors by defeating Skyview 12-3 in five innings at the Soldotna Little League fields in Northern Lights Conference action.
Seniors Allison Nelson, Serena Prior and Kenley Kingrey were honored as part of senior night.
Soldotna coach Kelli Knoebel said the win felt great, especially after one-run losses Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday cost SoHi at shot at state.
“We bounced back and came together as a team to honor the seniors and what they’ve done,” Knoebel said after finishing 4-4 in the conference and 6-8 overall. “The seniors showed dedication, leadership and commitment to SoHi softball.
“It’s truly an honor and a blessing.”
Skyview (3-4 in the league) was able to tie it up at 3 in the top of the third inning, but Soldotna scored seven runs in the bottom of the third inning to take control.
Prior pitched for the Stars, giving up just one earned run and four hits while walking two and striking out five.
“Hats off to Serena,” Knoebel said. “She pitched out of her mind again. She was incredibly consistent the whole season.”
Knoebel said a number of players broke from slumps in the game.
On offense, Amber McDonald was 3 for 3 with three runs, three RBIs and a double; Prior was 3 for 4 with a run and two RBIs; Kingrey was 2 for 4 with an RBI and double; Ila Cobb was 3 for 4 with two RBIs and two runs; Bauter was 2 for 2 with two RBIs, a double and a run; and Delaney Schneider was 2 for 3 with an RBI and two runs.
Sam Reynolds went the distance on the mound for Skyview, walking one and striking out three. Skyview coach Steve Schoessler said the defense did not offer a lot of assistance.
“They had some timely hits, but we helped out with errors,” Schoessler said.
Victoria Oberts was 2 for 2 for Skyview, while Schoessler also credited Reynolds Lynn Hesse and Joanne Glaves with hits.
Cat Schoessler walked twice and scored twice.
Knoebel said that between Skyview and Soldotna, over 40 kids were playing softball this year.
“That’s a big deal for Soldotna,” Knoebel said.
Today, Skyview will play its last sporting event as a school when Kenai comes to the Soldotna Little League fields at 4 p.m.
