Johnie Logue
Sports Reporter
Seems like a few days ago that practice started. Now weeks later and after a few rain outs, the high school softball season is over in Benton County.
Lincoln lost a wild one to Sweet Springs in the finals of districts 19-15 on Thursday night in Sweet Springs.
A nightmare first inning for top seeded Lincoln set the stage for the disappointing defeat and the end to a season of ups, downs and a ton of precious memories.
Lincoln gave up ten runs in the first as everything went seemingly wrong for the girls in red. They came back with four of their own in their half and drew to 13-12 in the fifth inning but couldn't contain the second seeded Lady Greyhounds.
Braylin Paxton went the distance giving up 19 hits, eight walks and hit seven batters. The defense made eight errors in one of their worst defensive outings of the season.
Jenna Vandaveer, the lone Lincoln senior, went out in style going 2-4, scoring three runs and walked once. She also stole two bases.
Lexie Dulaban had the game of her life going 5-5, scoring three times with one RBI.
The Big E, Gracyn Eifert, smacked a homer and a double in going 3-4 with six RBI's and a walk.
Courtney Stephens went 3-5 and scored three runs.
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On Wednesday, Lincoln beat Green Ridge 18-8 after falling behind 8-7 in the fourth. However, Lincoln came back with eight runs in the bottom of the fourth to cement the victory.
Lincoln added three more in their fifth to close out the five inning affair.
Gracyn Eifert hit a home run in going 2-2, scoring twice with three ribbies.
Vandaveer went 3-5 with two RBI's and scored twice.
Danika Gillispie went 2-2 with three runs scored, three RBI's and one walk.
They beat Otterville 19-0 on Monday.
Lincoln finished at 10-10.
We will have a recap of the season and hear from head Coach Chris Sanders in the BCE next week.
