Lakeville North Softball took on Rosemount Monday afternoon on a sunny but blustery spring afternoon. Both teams looked to pick up some steam after last weeks cancellations.

With Maggie Dunnet in the circle the Panthers set Rosemount down 1,2,3 in the top half of the first, fielding all 3 in a solid defensive half.  27 stepped in to the circle for Rosemount to face the Panther hitters. The constant cheering of a youth softball game was in full force as the Panther bench hollered throughout the first. The Rosemount Pitcher struck out the first 2 hitters before a slow roller to third and a strong throw to first retired the last Panther.

Catcher Erica Rozell made a tough play for the first out of the 2nd looking into the sun to catch the foul pop up. The first hit of the game came after 5 hitter and Irish pitcher 27 punched a ball up the middle just out of reach of the shortstop. The Irish didn't get far as Madison Malecja made an a diving stop at 3rd to end the inning for the Panthers. Rosemount recorded 3 straight outs giving them 6 straight and leaving North without a base runner.

Dunnet struck out the side in the top half of the third and also earned North's first base runner in the bottom of the inning. Maggie only got as far as second before the Irish defense finished the inning.

A North error presented the best chance for an opening run when Tera McKenney was unable to make the play at first putting the Irish in a threatening position with runners at first and second. Dunnet struck out the next hitter but Rosemount was able to bunt the bases full. The small ball for Rosemount lead to the first run of the game on a line drive to right field. The Panthers controlled the damage by making the play at second to end the inning. North was unable to answer the lone run in the bottom of the 4th and trailed 1-0 after 4.

Despite a leadoff walk the Irish were doubled up after a flyball to center field to end the top of the 5th. The Panthers still chasing the game 1-0 earned a 1 out walk in the bottom half. Chloe Sahlot slapped a hit right to the shortstop who couldn't connect at first putting runners on first and third with 2 outs. Amanda Moncelle stepped to the plate in a big situation for the Panthers. With the North bench and fans roaring Moncelle struck out on a hard fastball.

After an uneventful top of the 6th which included 2 ground ball outs North came to the plate desperate to push a run across and tie the game. 3 straight groundouts put North in a tough spot down 1 with three outs remaining.

Dunnet struck out the first 2 Irish hitters but a ball hit back up the middle for a single presented the only trouble for North in the inning. Rosemount couldn't add an insurance run as Dunnet finished off the inning with a strikeout.

North came to the plate with 9 strikes left, needing one run to tie the game. The energy on and around the field was palpable. A routine groundout to short gave Rosemount the first out of the inning. With only 2 left to expend Madison Malecha sliced a ball to right field for a double giving North hope with just one down. Michaela Zins smashed an 0-2 fastball straight up the middle for a single and advancing Malacha to 3rd. After a brief timeout Madison Andrews came into pinch run at first while North player of the game Maggie Dunnet came to the plate. The stands were clamoring as the play all ball players dream about unfolded. Dunnet was drilled straight in the forearm loading the bases for Chloe Saholt. Chloe said the only thing going through her mind was “gotta get a hit, whether it’s one run or all three, just gotta get a hit.” With the stage set Sahlot took her second pitch of the at bat the other way just past the outstretched 3rd baseman for the game winning double!

Players ran onto the field to congratulate the sophomore who gave the Panthers their first lead with the last swing of the bat. The come from behind victory would not have been possible without the outstanding pitching of Maggie Dunnet and the entire North defense. Sahlot said after the game “(I’ve got) a lot of thank you’s and a lot of hugs and high fives.” Chloe added one final comment saying “this was one of our best games but who have a lot to come this season and we are ready for it.”