MOUNT BERRY, Ga. -
Hannah Gore needed three more outs to make history. As the pressure and noise overcame Kay Williams Field, Gore stayed composed. She struck out her first batter then another fouled out, sending the crowd on their feet, and the cheers growing.
Gore sent two strikes into the glove of
Anna Jackson, and then a third. Jackson, and the rest of the infielders sprinted to tackle Gore in hugs. Head coach,
Emily Stanley and her staff embraced, as this was the first time Berry Softball had won the NCAA DIII Super Regionals.
"I'm so proud of this program in general. We had so many alumni here today, and they laid the foundation… It starts with the traditions, and the things that we practice year in and year out. Team 13 is doing all of these things because of all of the teams before them," said Stanley.
Anna Jackson made sure that her team got off to a hot start with a two-run homer in the first inning; stunning Bethel pitcher Kayla Simacek, who had shut down the Viking offense the day before.
But Bethel's Jamie Axelberg hit a solo shot in the top of the third inning, cutting the Vikings lead in half. This didn't discourage pitcher
Blair Hall as she persevered in the circle for the second day in a row.
As
Riley Jackson stepped up to the plate,
Aleeya Thornton stood at third base with her eyes on the prize. As
Riley Jackson filed out to right field, Thornton was able to restore her team's original two-run lead.
The Vikings needed to end the game quickly, which brought Gore to the circle. She struck out five in three innings, only allowing one hit. The score of 3-1 would remain untouched as the Vikings claimed their trophy on their home field. Hall was named all-tournament player, while Gore was named all-tournament pitcher.
The Vikings advance to the World Series in Salem, Va. starting May 26th.
"This is all something we've dreamed of doing one day. And to be able to do it with this team makes it that much better. It's an absolute dream come true that this team gets to play softball for another week, said senior
Abbey Gamble.
