Risco softball team falls to Valle Catholic in Class 1 softball state quarterfinal

RISCO – Despite falling to Valle Catholic 2-3 in the Class 1 State Softball Quarterfinals, the Tigers softball team undoubtedly made history this spring.

Risco's softball team won the program's first ever district championship in an upset over Holcomb, advanced deeper into the state tournament and played the Valle Catholic Warriors, a team that consistently racks up more than ten runs a game, to just a single run.

The Tigers fell behind early on, and Valle Catholic scored all three of their runs in the bottom of the first inning. Macy Wolk singled home Adelyn Weiler, Emily Flieg singled home Aubreeana Zipprich, and after a hit by Kelsey Blum leading into fielder's choice, Wolk found home plate as well.

“We played them well,” Risco coach Justin Earnheart said. “In the first inning we had two unearned runs, and it ended up being the difference in the game. It's new territory for us, and I think the moment got us a little bit shook up for a minute. Right after that, we settled in and played them well.”

The Tigers came back to score two runs in the top of the third inning, but they would be last runs scored of the game.

Carlie Stephens opened the inning with a line drive single to left field and Landri Baker was hit by a pitch up next. Stephens manufactured some chaos running the bases, and she eventually stole home plate while Aubrey White was at bat.

Risco's Landri Baker celebrates after reaching second base in a state quarterfinal game against Valle Catholic Tuesday, May 16, 2023.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

With two outs, Baker stole third base on a wild pitch and Ashlynn Presley brought her home with a triple to right field.

Stephens pitched a complete game for the Tigers. After facing 30 batters and throwing 94 pitches, she struck out five batters and allowed eight hits and three runs, only one of which was an earned run.

“Against a great team, she did a great job and limited them,” Earnheart said of Stephens. “It's going to be hard to replace her next year and we're definitely going to miss her. She did exactly what she needed to do today.”

Stephens is one of three graduating seniors on the Risco roster – the others being Ashlynn Presley and Aliyah Rojas.

“I'm going to miss all of (the seniors): Ashlynn behind the plate, Carlie pitching and playing first, and Rojas at second,” Earnheart said. “They were in sixth grade when I started, and they were the reason why I started. They were patient with me, let me learn along the way, and I couldn't be more proud of them. First district win, first state quarterfinal, and we showed up and looked like we belong here.”

For the Warriors, Aubree Zipprich also pitched a complete game. With 15 strikeouts after facing 24 batters, she allowed only three hits and two earned runs.

Earnheart said that after finally achieving postseason success, they intend to compete for the district championship and more state tournament games again next year.

“For my underclassmen, I left them with a challenge,” Earnheart said. “We start summer ball in about a week, and it'll give them some extra reps. We have some holes to fill, some lineups to adjust, and we plan to be back here next year. These seniors set the bar and established the standard.”