A Senior Night walk-off... and a comeback to remember for SCC softball

SIKESTON — The rain-soaked field shimmered under the fading daylight as Scott County Central’s Maddy Carlisle fought back tears following a Senior Night 17-7 win over Campbell.

An injury had benched her this season, but not today. The score, the stats, they all seemed distant. Today, it was about lacing up her cleats one last time for the man who taught her to play, the man who cheered her on since her first swing: her father and coach, Tim Carlisle.

With tears of joy streaming down her face, Maddy's voice trembled as she summed up the night, "I got to play for my dad one more time."

Scott County Central's Allison Foster scores during a 17-7 Senior Night win over Campbell on Thursday, April 26, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

A serious knee injury during basketball season had stolen her entire senior softball campaign. Today, after months of rehab, was meant to be a simple moment — a chance to step onto the field one last time for a final catch.

But no chances came Maddy’s way in the top of the first inning. As the Bravettes (9-10) quickly batted through their lineup, the team's unexpected offensive surge left Maddy, batting ninth, suddenly in the on-deck circle.

The agreed-upon plan hadn't played out and the possibility of leaving the field without that final play loomed large.

Scott County Central's Lainey Glueck throws a pitch during a 17-7 Senior Night win over Campbell on Thursday, April 26, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“I got emotional just seeing her in the on-deck circle,” said coach Carlisle. “We made that eye contact, and she thought I was going to pull her. But I told her to go hit.”

And hit she did. Maddy sent a single slicing right where she loves to hit it, between center and right field. The ball soared, driving in two runs.

A passed ball allowed her to advance to second, and then she tagged up on a fly ball, making her way to third with careful determination.

Pride mingled with a bittersweet ache as coach Carlisle watched his daughter standing on third. There she was, his little girl and his star player, sharing the field one final time. His coaching instinct told him to send her home, but his father's heart longed to hold onto this moment forever.

“She’s itching to score and I’m trying to hold her back,” he admitted.

Determined to fulfill their original plan, Maddy took her place at first base in the top of the second inning.

Moments later, an opportunity came knocking. A ground ball hurtled towards third base, and with a deft play, Stevey Klingel scooped it up and fired a throw towards first. Maddy’s glove met the ball in a clean catch, sealing the out, and the perfect ending to her Senior Night.

"That's something I'll remember for the rest of my life," coach Carlisle said. "That's it for a high school career, but she's rehabbing hard, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for her."

Coach Carlisle’s eyes swept across the field, pausing on fellow seniors Allison Foster and Makinna Easter. It wasn't just his daughter saying goodbye tonight.

“All of these seniors have put in so much, going back to third grade,” he said. “I take a lot of pride and joy in how they’ve grown as ballplayers and young ladies.

“The athletes you have a SCC can seem like a revolving door for several different reasons, life happens and things happen with families,” he continued. “But those girls have been permanent fixtures in my life, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Laney Glueck dominated on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings and earning the win with a commanding performance. Her inside-the-park home run in the bottom of the fifth ended the game with a final burst of excitement, adding to the unforgettable nature of the night.

“I can’t say enough about [Glueck],” coach Carlisle said. “She’s been one of our go-to players all season as a freshman. She is getting in stride right now at the right time.”

The offensive powerhouse of the Bravettes was on full display. Mikylia Daniel went 2-for-4 with five RBIs, while Briley Couch (2-for-3 with a double and an RBI), Camarie Perdue (2-for-3 with an RBI), and Foster (2-for-3 with two RBIs) also made significant contributions.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear Senior Night wasn't an ending, but a celebration of both the journey and the unbreakable bonds forged on a small-community softball field.

__SCC 17, CAMPBELL 7__

Campbell 101 32x x — 7 6 4

SCC 920 51x x — 17 13 2

W—Lainey Glueck. L—Kaitlyn Weidenbenner. 2B—SCC: Allison Foster, Briley Couch, Gleuck, Stevey Klingel. HR—SCC: Glueck.