A six run comeback in the fifth inning fell short for Lake Leelanau St. Mary (17-11) during a regional semifinal game against Frankfort (21-11) on Monday.
The Eagles fell behind as many as seven runs (8-1) before a fiery comeback from the Eagles forced extra innings.
“We’ve battled back all year, I wasn’t surprised by this. They don’t give up. I’m truly blessed to coach them,” St. Mary coach Melanie Dashner said. “My seniors showed great leadership.”
The Panthers found a way in the top of the seventh with a three-run home run by freshman Brylee Wilson that proved too much for St. Mary in a 11-9 defeat on Tuesday.
The defending regional champions St. Mary started the 8-2 comeback in the fifth inning when Cathryn Mikowski got the bats rolling and hit a 2-run home run (fourth of season).
A couple of batters later, St. Mary senior Leah Fleis nailed a second home run to cut Frankfort’s lead to 8-6 going into the sixth inning (second of season).
After three straight strikeouts by Mikowski, the Eagles were at bat again. St. Mary senior Elena Grant hit a single and freshman Lydia Bramer was hit by a pitch to reach base. Mikowski then hit a three RBI triple to tie the game at 8-8. Mikowski was the winning run left stranded on third after two straight strikeouts by Frankfort.
After a three run homer by Frankfort in the seventh (11-8), St. Mary looked to comeback from another deficit.
Fleis got it started by reaching base with a double, then Elena Grant hit another single that brought Fleis home.
That would be it for the Eagles, as the Panthers finished out the game two straight out to finish St. Mary’s season in the regional semifinal.
“When we got all done (Saturday) I was more proud than anything. I always felt that if we compete well that I’m okay with a loss,” Dashner said. “We weren’t sure we were going to have a team this year. I’m super happy.”
Dashner will most certainly miss the seniors in Bunek, Fleis, and Delana Kirt.
“The three of them are absolute class acts, they have great attitudes and they don’t get down on people. I will really miss that leadership for next year. ” Dahsner said.
Frankfort lost to Holton 13-0 in the regional final. Holton earned a spot in the final with a 7-2 win over Bellaire.
