Binger-Oney — The Hydro-Eakly Lady Bobcats softball team has faced numerous challenges this season and faced a huge one as they played regionals at top-ranked Binger-Oney this past week.
The Lady Bobcats advanced to the regional championship game, but it was not easy for them to get there as they lost the opening game to Araprho-Butler 14-5. They faced Fletcher in the first elimination game and won 11-8. They beat Arapaho-Butler as they won 9-2. Hydro-Eakly faced off against Binger-Oney, losing 9-2.
“We started off regionals really slow,” coach Hannah Guthrie said. “We were lucky to beat Fetcher. Friday, we were our normal team and we played well against Arapaho-Butler. We gave Binger-Oney an excellent game Friday, but just came up short.”
Arapaho-Butler 14, Hydro-Eakly 5
Hydro-Eakly struggled on both offense and defense. Arapaho-Butler scored 6 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Hydro-Eakly was unable to overcome the firstinning deficit and lost the first game 14-5. “We were nervous,” Guthrie said. “We were not ready to play and when you are in the postseason, you must bring 100 percent every game because anyone can get beat if they do not play well.”
Hydro-Eakly 11, Fletcher 8
The start of this game was similar to the game against Arapaho-Butler as Fletcher scored 4 runs in the first inning. Hydro-Eakly hit the softball really well in the top of the fifth from hitting well and took the lead.
“We played well in the fifth inning,” Guthrie said. “We had to overcome a bad start, but we have been down before and knew how to overcome some adversity. The girls did not want their season to end and they found a way to get the job done and advance.”
Hydro-Eakly 9, Arapaho-Butler 2
Hydro-Eakly was a different team Friday firing early and scoring 3 runs in the top of the first and were in control the rest of the way through. Guthrie said the start of the game is what made the difference.
“We played so much better and were more prepared,” Guthrie said. “We were looking ahead on the first day to play Binger-Oney and were not ready for the first game against Arapaho-Butler. However, once we knew we could get beat if we did not play well, we realized we better play good or else our season could end before we expect it to.”
Binger-Oney 7, Hydro-Eakly 2
Hydro-Eakly was ahead 2-0 in the top of the first and Binger-Oney did not score until the third inning. Binger-Oney took control of the game in the third.
“We competed really well,” Guthrie said. “They are just so good at hitting and I am proud of the way we computed. Honestly, they were just better than we are and they made the plays and we did not make the plays.”
Hydro-Eakly finished the season with a record of 22-14.
“This season, it was a learning year for the players and I,” Guthrie said. “There were ups and downs and we faced some adversity through injuries and COVID-19. We played such a hard schedule and the girls who are returning know what it will take to compete next season. I am excited for seasons to come and I hope I get to continue to coach these girls.”