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River Valley's softball team had its share of adversity to deal going into the post season.
"We lost JJ Johnson our third baseman and number four hitter to a meniscus tear during a game on Monday night last week. More than anything I think we missed her presence on the field," coach Jane Briehl said. "It's tough to prepare for that change in just one night of practice, but the girls worked hard and gave us everything they had. I thought our young ladies did an awesome job and never gave up. Even in the last inning down by 5. They continued to fight."
Lakeside Lutheran jumped off to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first that forced the Blackhawks to climb the hill the rest of the Division 3 regional game.
Valley cut into the lead with a run in the bottom of the first but LL added one in the top of the second to lead 5-1.
The Blackhawks continued to hit and run then caught up with a four run second to make it 5-5.
The third saw LL score twice and Valley once to give LL a 7-6 edge.
LL's one run fourth and three run fifth made it 11-6 after five.
The Hawks scored one more time in the bottom of the seventh but that was it.
Final score---LL 11, RV 7.
Taylor Briehl closed out a four year career as the varsity starting catcher with a 2x3, three rbi performance. Teegan Strine was 2x3 and Bailey Brown 2x4 for six of River Valley's eight hits.
Taylor Eberle had a double for the Hawks while Sofie French singled for the other two.
Eberle worked five frames on the slab for the Hawks. She struck out four, walked two and gave up 11 hits along with eight runs.
Ali Hoffman tossed the last two innings. striking out one, walking three and giving up three hits and two runs.
LL had a 14-8 edge in hits and had three doubles.
"These young ladies have a lot to be proud of and I couldn't be more proud of them," Briehl said. "As a team they accomplished so much this year. They matched our wins in the two previous years and went a perfect 10-0 in conference."