The Fossil Ridge Softball team began their goal of back to back state titles with a hard fought 7-6 win over the Windsor Wizards. 

The Sabercats struggled early as the Wizards were able to jump out to an early 4-1 lead after the first inning. Despite trailing, they never panicked. 

“I think the fact we scored one we felt like that kind of kept us in the game. And then we kind of hung around a little bit…we knew it was gonna be a long game. You got to play 7 innings and that helped us,” said head coach Dave Philop.

During the bottom of the third, Fossil took the lead, bringing around 4 runs on 7 straight hits. The most crucial at bat was a double from Kodi Alvord scoring the first run in the 3rd. 

Fossil’s lead wouldn’t last long, Windsor reclaimed the lead 6-5 off a two-run homer in the 4th.

The offense would eventually slow down. Both teams became more focused on impactful, defensive plays.

Fossil eventually broke through again. They scored one run in the 6th off a double by Katelyn Hayes. The game was tied at the end of 7 innings.

Coach Philop wasn’t panicking as the game entered extras.

“We’ve got a core group that’s been playing here with us for several years and I think that helps calm everyone down cause we were pretty nervous…I think that’s what helped us,” Philop said.

The final three innings were all about the pitchers, especially Nikki McGaffin from Fossil. McGaffin pitched all 9 innings, and threw over 140 pitches. She pitched 5 scoreless innings to end the game, striking out 7 of the final 9 batters.

 “She competes. She’s a gamer, and I don’t think I could get her out. She wants the ball in those situations and she’s been fantastic for us over the years…She’s been through the wars before, and we knew she could handle it. Fortunately it worked out,” said Coach Philop.

In the bottom of the ninth, with runners at 2nd and 3rd, Georgia Laplante got a hit to secure the win.

Despite being in an early hole, the Sabercats were able to pull together a win with lots of hits and some nice late game pitching.

As for defending their state title and going back to back, Coach Philop has confidence in his team.

“If we get everybody comfortable, more relaxed and getting some experience I think they can have a chance to be really really good again…we’re gonna have some ups and downs, we’ll have to get through it but this a big win for us mentally…I think this could help propel us and get the confidence they need,” Philop said.