Top-ranked Monarchs eliminate FHS

PAPILLION - Fremont High co-head softball coach Michael Schleicher couldn’t fault the Tigers’ effort Friday.

FHS went 1-1 to finish as the District A-1 runner-up and end its season with an overall record of 21-14.

The Tigers were eliminated after falling to No. 1 Papillion-LaVista 8-0 in five innings.

The Monarchs led 3-0 after the third inning before scoring four runs in the fourth and another in the fifth.

Annie Hoesing went 2-for-2 for the Tigers while Jena Hallstrom went 1-for-2. Jessye Johnson gave up seven hits while striking out two in four innings. The Tigers committed four errors.

"Things obviously did not go our way against Papillion-La Vista," Schleicher said. "They showed why they are the No.1 team in the state again tonight. I give our girls all the credit in the world for competing right up until the end."

Fremont advanced to face the Monarchs in the championship game after defeating Bellevue West 5-4.

The game was tied 4-4 heading into the bottom of the seventh.

Jessica Spalding grounded out to open the inning for FHS before Mandi Vukonich drew a walk. Krista Wearden then struck out for the Tigers’ second out.

Johnson singled to advance Kristen Hoesing, running for Vukonich, to third. Annie Hoesing drew a walk to load the bases before Mattie Kramme hit a bloop single over the Monarch’s second baseman to score Kristen Hoesing and end the game.

"This game was back and forth and our girls refused to lose," Schleicher said. "Finding a way to get that go-ahead run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh was huge."

Bellevue West took 3-0 lead in the first inning. FHS tied the game at 3-3 in the third.

Marissa Niday hit a lead-off double and later scored on an error. Annie Hoesing hit a double down the third baseline to score Vukonich and Wearden.

The Tigers added another run in the sixth before Bellevue West evened the score in the top of the seventh.

Annie Hoesing struck out seven batters in six innings, allowing four hits, and went 2-for-3 at the plate. Johnson pitched one inning and gave up one hit.

Schleicher credits the seniors’ leadership this season.

"Coach Fittje and I really want to recognize our seniors (Annie Hoesing, Krista Wearden, Marissa Niday, Shelby Miller, Ashley Dahlhauser, Lakken Winters) and thank them for all they have meant to our program over the past four years."