The Simon Fraser University softball team’s playoff hopes were dashed Saturday when the Central Washington University Wildcats came out scratching.
Needing a sweep of their final four home games to have a chance at a Great Northwest Athletic Conference women’s fastball playoff berth, the Clan started off well. Led by seniors Stephanie Caron, Rachel Proctor and Nicole Ratel, who all delivered clutch hits, the Clan took a 7-6 victory in Game 1 of the first crucial doubleheader.
Unfortunately, the Wildcats replied in convincing fashion and end the suspense, beating SFU 19-1 in the nightcap on the team’s Seniors Day. It ended their post-season chase.
The Clan recognized the six outgoing seniors on the final weekend of GNAC play as Alex Baylak, Jessica Goulet, Marina DeAngelis, Caron, Proctor and Ratel all played their final games with the Clan.
In the opener, SFU fell behind 3-0 but replied quickly with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first, off back-to-back doubles from Caron and Proctor. Two innings later, Ratel blasted a two-run home run, her ninth of the season and third in three games, over the left field fence to catapult the Clan to a 5-3 lead.
Shaking off a rough first inning, SFU starter Alia Stachoski put in a solid line of work and handing the ball to Tori Belton in the sixth with runners on first and third. Both came around to score when Central Washington’s Kailyn Campbell sent the ball out of the yard to make it 6-5 for the Wildcats.
Once more SFU put on its rally caps, counting the decisive runs when Taylor Gillis lashed the ball down the right field line to drive in two for the 7-6 lead. Belton, who on Monday was named the GNAC’s Newcomer of the Year, recorded the final three outs and secured the win to improve to 10-9 on the year.
While hopes were riding high on a possible playoff date, they came crashing down just a few hours later as Central Washington unleashed all its firepower in a one-sided contest at SFU’s Beedie Field.
The lone bright spot proved to be Taylor Lundrigan’s RBI double, driving home SFU’s only run of the game.
Four members of the squad received end-of-season honours when they were named to the GNAC All-Conference team. Earning the honours were Proctor, a first-team selection, second-team selection Lundrigan, and honourable mentions Alia Stachoski and Ratel.
