Kelly savors its second state softball title

Standard Democrat

The Kelly softball team wrapped up a magical season last weekend with the ultimate prize -- a state championship.

"I'm still on Cloud Nine and will be for the next several weeks," Kelly coach Rhonda Ratledge said Sunday after returning from Columbia, Mo.

The Hawks (25-6) had won the program's second state title -- the first was in 1997 -- by defeating Bishop LeBlond of St. Joseph 1-0 in the Class 2 title game on Saturday at the Rainbow Softball Center.

Pitcher Whitney Beggs and a flawless defense made a patented manufactured run stand up for the victory.

Beggs, who finished her senior season with a 13-3 record, allowed just one hit, no walks and struck out eight in the championship game. She also drove in the winning run.

Beggs was one out from a perfect game, allowing only a single in the bottom of the seventh.

Due to laryngitis, she was unable to speak about her accomplishment Sunday when the team was honored at a community get-together, but she had plenty to smile about.

"Gosh, it's a shame she lost the perfect game," Ratledge said, "but, hey, we'll sure take that state championship win."

Defensive execution was a constant for the Hawks all season -- Essner played errorless ball at shortstop all season -- and the championship game was no exception.

Assistant coach Melanie Heuring recalled one play in the bottom of the fourth -- just after Kelly had scored its lone run -- when a Bishop LeBlond hitter laid down a one-out bunt in front of the plate. Catcher Kristin Harper fielded the ball and threw a bit high to first base, where bantam-sized second baseman Brittany Ponder was covering. Ponder stretched her 5-foot frame to its limit to make the catch and keep her toe on the bag for the putout.

Ratledge ran her stellar career coaching record to 259-60.

"It feels good to have two state titles under my belt," she said.

Seniors Beggs, Harper, Essner, Jessica Burnett, Rachel Kline and Stephanie Hency completed their high school careers on a winning note.

"This is something we all worked hard for since we were freshman, and it's a relief to end our senior season the way we have," Kline said. "It's a big accomplishment for all of us. It's big to keep the tradition going, too."

Added Heuring: "It's been gratifying to see them grow, improve 100 percent and become the players they are today."

Ratledge credited the summer softball program -- along with community support -- for much of the team's success.