×

Walk-off win advances SE softball squad

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla The St. Edmond softball team celebrates its win on Monday against Coon Rapids-Bayard. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Sophomore Erin Flattery delivered the biggest hit of her softball career here Monday night, propelling St. Edmond to a 3-2 victory over Coon Rapids-Bayard in Class 1A regional play at Rogers Park.

With courtesy runner Devyn Scott and Audrey Kolacia on base, Flattery sent a Kayla Lenz pitch to the outfield grass, resulting in a walk-off two-RBI triple for the Gaels.

St. Edmond (10-17 overall) now faces No. 5 Newell-Fonda (27-10) in a Region 3 quarterfinal in Fonda on Wednesday.

Flattery, who had been just 2-for-12 in recent plate appearances before blasting the triple, realized the second she made contact that the hit was a winner.

“Oh yeah, I knew that was the spot where I wanted to hit it,” Flattery said. “I knew it was over after that.”

With one out in the seventh, catcher and eighth-grader Kacey Kruthoff drew a walk. Scott came on to run for her and Kolacia followed with a sharply hit ball to first. The Crusaders (12-14) were unable to make a play on it, resulting in runners on first and second.

Flattery connected, setting off a wild celebration for St. Edmond. The third baseman admitted the outlook appeared bleak entering the last inning, but SEHS head coach Nick Clark delivered an inspiring talk.

“Coach brought us in and said we were going to score two and he was going to celebrate with us,” Flattery said. “That’s all I thought about. I wanted to celebrate so bad.”

Her heroics also kept the prep career of her cousin, Megan Flattery, alive. Megan, the lone senior on the Gael roster, had a hit and drew a walk, along with making three out in centerfield.

“I am so happy I get to play with her again,” Erin said. “I look up to her so much, and I’m really glad I could pull this one out for her.”

Ella Vratny earned her sixth victory of the season, striking out four and scattering seven hits over seven innings. The eighth-grader walked just one batter.

Kolacia also had a hit and a stolen base, while Jacque Oberg walked and scored in the second.

“I’m so proud of the girls for not giving up,” said Clark, who was making his postseason head coaching debut. “We’ve been in a lot of close games all year and lost most of them, but I feel those experiences are what helped us (Monday night).

“Ella settled down after that first inning, Kacey drew a huge walk in the seventh and Audrey put the ball in play. Erin proceeded to come through for us. I’m just super excited about our team right now.”

For the Crusaders, who had just earned a win over 5A Sioux City West this past weekend, Jade Hays was 3-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. Katelyn Winnett had two hits, including an RBI-double.

The regional quarterfinal contest between St. Edmond and Newell-Fonda will be a rematch of the season opener for both back in May. The Mustangs won that game, 13-3.

ST. EDMOND 3, COON RAPIDS-BAYARD 2

CR-Bayard 110 000 0 — 2 7 2

St. Edmond 010 000 2 — 3 3 1

Kayla Lenz (L, 11-6, 6• IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K, 4 BB) and Katelyn Winnett; Ella Vratny (W, 6-12, 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 K, 1 BB) and Kacey Kruthoff.

3B–SE: Erin Flattery. 2B–CR-B: Katelyn Winnett. RBI–SE: Erin Flattery (2); CR-B: Katelyn Winnett, Jade Hays. SB–CR-B: Jade Hays; SE: Audrey Kolacia. LOB–CR-B: 8; SE: 6.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today