Northwest Season Comes To An End With Loss To Gretna, 4-3

(Hastings, NE) - A walk-off left Northwest on the wrong end of a 4-3 defeat to Gretna on Saturday in the bracket final round at the Class B State Softball Tournament. The game was tied at three in the bottom of the seventh when Sophia Rohrs singled, scoring one run.

A home run to right field by Natalie Boozikee following a 7-pitch at-bat put Gretna on the board in the bottom of the first.

Northwest scored one run in the top of the second on a solo home run to right field by Becca Dinkelman on a full count.

Northwest tied the game in the top of the fifth thanks to a line out by Abby Dinkelman, and a fly out by Graclyn Simmons.

Taelyn Rupiper earned the win for Gretna. The hurler allowed five hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out eight and walking three. Simmons took the loss for Northwest. The pitcher went six and two-thirds innings, giving up four runs on eight hits, striking out three and walking six.

Haper Wissing, Dinkelman, Dinkelman, Addie Burbach, and Lexi Ross each collected one hit for Northwest. Dinkelman and Dinkelman each drove in one run for Northwest. Northwest were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Naleah Baier made the most plays with eight.

Boozikee provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Gretna with three runs batted in. The cleanup hitter went 1-for-4 on the day. Elle Burrell and Emory Porter each collected two hits for Gretna. Maddie Kurrus led Gretna with three walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating six walks for the game. Gretna stole five bases in the game.

The Vikings softball season comes to an end with a record of 24-5. Gretna advances to the state championship game on Monday in Lincoln vs Gretna East or Hastings.