By Andrew Johnson
LocalSportsJournal.com
HOLLAND – The Spring Lake softball team’s season came to an end in regional play with a 5-0 regional semifinal loss to Hudsonville Unity Christian on Saturday.
The Lakers have qualified for regional play the last three seasons, and have been assigned to the Hope University regional all three years, but have failed to advance.
On Saturday, the Laker offense was limited to three hits, with Lauren Somers leading the way with two singles while Kileah Rymal had the other single.
Hudsonville Unity Christian pitcher Ellie Borst stuck out 10 Laker batters on Saturday. Spring Lake coach Bill Core said Borst was the difference.
“We kind of got overpowered by her a bit today,” he said. “We never really threatened much and when you only get three singles it isn’t going to put much pressure on anyone.”
The Lakers gave up an early run in the second inning and four more in the fifth.
“They got one run early and then scored four runs in the fifth to kind of break it open,” said Core. “I challenged the girls to bring their “A” game and if we got beat then so be it, and these girls brought it today, but just didn’t get enough hitting.”
Spring Lake finished the season with a school record 31 wins and six losses. Core said he was proud of his team and excited about the future.
“This team has set the bar high for Spring Lake softball with everything they’ve won and with the highest (grade point average) in division 2 softball,” Core said. “We graduate three seniors who provide great leadership including one who starts. We started two freshmen and five sophomores this year, so we’re still pretty young and brighter days will be ahead.
“But I don’t want to lose the effect of how great this season was. I’m very proud.”
