For the first time in 17 years, the NSAA State Softball Championship Finals makes its long-awaited return back to Omaha, where the Monarchs made history last night on Connie Claussen field at UNO with its 17th program state championship.
#3 Papillion La Vista (30-8) and #2 Millard North (28-6) both rose from the ashes of the losers bracket in Hastings, and after Papio’s back-to-back playoff wins against #6 Lincoln Southwest and Millard North’s upset against #1 Gretna, the two would face off for the 3rd time this season.
The Monarchs kicked it off early in the top of the 2nd, with a double by senior Presley Ivener and a line-drive single by senior Kamira Botos that put the Monarchs on the board first. The Mustangs showed out with an RBI single by Millard North’s Tenley Kampbell in the bottom of the 2nd, tying the ball game.
In the bottom of the 4th, a solo home run by Mustang Jae Swift advances the Millard North lead. This early in the game, nothing could phase the Monarchs.
“The vibe was really good in the game,” senior catcher Morgan Byrd said. “We have three more innings and one run isn’t a problem, so we kept at it.”
The top of the 5th was when the Monarchs asserted dominance. The Monarchs scored two runs from hits off of seniors Kloey Hamblen and Morgan Byrd. The hit heard ‘round the Metro, however, was a dynamite home-run to deep left by junior Avery Wolfe, which jumped the Monarchs up 6-2. The energy inside Connie Claussen field was electrifying, and Byrd could feel its strength.
“Having the students behind us cheering was such a cool environment, and since the game was moved to Omaha this year the whole town was there to support us.” Byrd said.
After putting up 4 more runs in the next two innings, the Monarchs could taste their fate that has called for them all season long.
“I couldn’t help but smile while I was catching,” Byrd said. “I was like, this is it. This is the last few moments as a senior and we’re about to win a state title.”
Before long, it was full count, 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th. The sea of maroon on their feet to witness a historic storybook ending. The game ends ever-so ideally with a picturesque fly-out catch by senior Kaylee Tanuis, and countless emotions emerged from the pitcher’s mound, where the dogpile of Maroon jerseys mounted up.
With 31 consecutive state tournament appearances and 17 state championships, Papillion La Vista still remains the most decorated high school softball program in the state of Nebraska, and the Monarchs’ reign is far from over.
“[The underclassmen] will keep up our tradition, hopefully make state next year and they’ll do big things in the next few years.” Byrd said.
