Final Four Bound!

By Chris Willingham

For the first time in program history, the Paris Lady Coyotes are going to the MSHSAA Softball State Championships! 

To earn that opportunity, #8 Paris had to face off against #3 Cairo. The two teams met during the first week of the season and Cairo handed the Lady Coyotes their worst loss of the season in a 12-3 game that saw the Lady Coyotes uncharacteristically make several defensive errors. "The first time we faced off against Cairo, we had played 3 games in a row and just didn't play well. Our girls wanted this rematch, they specifically wanted to play Cairo again in this huge moment. When I heard them say those things, I knew we were going to show up ready to play." Coach Collin Huffman. 

The field looked great, the grand stands and surrounding areas were completely full, and showed the significance of the opportunity for both teams. Cairo won the coin toss and were the home team. Paris did not score in the top of the 1st despite a 2 out single by Kennedy Ashenfelter. Cairo on the other hand took advantage of an early error. With 2 outs, Cairo's cleanup hitter drove a home run over the left field fence to jump out to an early 2-0 lead. The Lady Coyotes went 3 up 3 down in the top of the 2nd and Cairo continued their early success in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Two walks and two singles led to 3 Cairo runs and a 5-0 lead. Paris had been in this situation before and had battled back, but the prognosis was bleak at this point in the game. The Paris offense had to come up with an answer to keep from letting the game get away from them. With 1 out, Ava Crain drew a walk. Sylvee Graupman reached on an error by the 3rd baseman putting runners at 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Emma Ashenfelter singled on a line drive to center field, loading the bases for Kennedy Ashenfelter. She took advantage of the opportunity with a double to center field. The shot cleared the bases and closed the Lady Coyotes deficit to 5-3. Up stepped Reese Sutton and on the first pitch, Sutton hit a blast to Right Center field that left no doubt. The Lady Coyotes were back in action and ready to play at 5-5. Cairo had an answer in the bottom of the 3rd as they put together three hits in a row before a huge defensive play by Alyssa Webb. Webb fielded a lined shot down the first base line and quickly stepped on first to double off the Cairo runner and thwart the rally. The score remained 6-5 in favor of Cairo until the top of the 5th inning. Emma Ashenfelter drew a walk and then advanced to second on a passed ball. Kennedy Ashenfelter continued her torrid hitting streak with a hard hit single to center field driving in her sister and the tying run. The score remained knotted at 6-6 entering the top of the 7th inning. Following 2 ground outs, Reese Sutton was intentionally walked. Sophia Crusha stepped up to the plate and dropped down a perfect bunt single to put runners at first and second. Knightlee Mitten stepped up to the plate facing the biggest sports moment of her career. Mitten crushed a double down the left field line, scoring both Sutton and Crusha and putting the Lady Coyotes ahead for the first time in the game, 8-6. All that stood between the Lady Coyotes, the Final Four, and history were 3 outs. The Lady Cats were not going to go down without a fight. They led off the bottom of the 7th with a single. The next batter hit a ground ball to shortstop Reese Sutton who flipped the ball to second baseman Sylvee Graupman for out number one. The next batter walked, putting runners at first and second. The next batter hit a ground ball up the middle to pitcher Kennedy Ashenfelter. Ashenfelter fielded the ball and threw to third baseman Raygen Crum for the force out and out number two. Facing runners at first and second and needing only one out, Kennedy Ashenfelter stepped into the pitcher's circle, the defense prepared behind her, all the hard work, the sweat, the tears, it all came down to this moment. The Paris faithful were on their feet everywhere, sensing the gravity of the moment. Ashenfelter's pitch was lifted foul down the first base line and Senior Alyssa Webb stepped under the ball and when it fell into her glove, the field, the dugout, the stands all erupted. For the first time in their history, the Paris Lady Coyotes were Final Four bound. The fairgrounds were full of smiles, tears, hugs, laughs, and elation. It was perfect. 

"What an incredible game and moment for our program. This is history. We set lofty goals all season long and in our wildest dreams wanted this, but it's no longer a dream. We are going to the Final Four for the first time in program history. I am so proud of and happy for these ladies. So much time and effort went into this. We have a great opportunity in front of us and we can't wait for Springfield." Coach Collin Huffman

Game stats: 

Sylvee Graupman 0-4, 1 run. 
Emma Ashenfelter 1-3, 2 runs. 
Kennedy Ashenfelter 3-4, 1 run, 4 RBI, double 
Reese Sutton, 2-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI, double, Home Run 
Sophia Crusha, 1-4, 1 run 
Wendi Sutherland 0-1 
Knightlee Mitten, 1-3, 2 RBI, double 
Gretchen Crusha, 0-4 
Alyssa Webb, 0-3 
Ava Crain, 1-2, 1 run, walk

Kennedy Ashenfelter, 7 innings, 10 hits, 6 runs, 4 earned runs, 2 strikeouts, 3 walks

The 23-6 Paris Lady Coyotes face off against 23-8 Gallatin on Friday at 11:00 A.M. on Field 2 at Killian Softball Complex in Springfield, MO.