Story by MAYAN PAZ Photos by PARKER NISBETH
Tiger Media Network
Five Tigers stepped on the field at Fleharty Family Field for their last regular season on Saturday as FHSU softball battled for a postseason spot on the last day of the MIAA regular season. Regan Curry, Morgan Schmidt, Erika Flynn, Madison Pierce, and Savanah Egger were all recognized for their time at Fort Hays State after FHSU’s 6-3 victory over UNK.
One by one, the seniors stepped onto the field with their families and friends to receive flowers and a standing ovation. Head coach Adrian Pilkington was happy that the team won on such an emotional day.
“It’s a special day for them, and just an opportunity for us to celebrate the seniors,” she said. “And I think we did a good job of going out there and playing our hardest for them, even though we lost game one. I think everybody went out there and played really hard for those kids and played for a bigger purpose today.”
Pierce and Schmidt have led the team this year at batting and pitching, respectively, and led the team to a win over the Lopers with solid performances. Schmidt, a native of Gilbert, Arizona, described her feelings after getting the crucial win on her senior night.
“It’s amazing. It’s a really great feeling. I’ve loved playing here for four years,” she said. “The coaches and staff have been awesome. My teammates have been awesome. So, being able to get the win in the last regular season game was nothing I could have ever dreamed of.”
Catcher and batter Pierce starred in the win against the Lopers with her involvement in two scoring plays. She said it’s been a special journey for her as a Tiger, going from not making the conference tournament in her freshman year to three consecutive postseason appearances.
‘“It’s been a journey. You know, my freshman year, we didn’t make the tournament, but ever since then, we did, and I don’t know, I can’t thank the coaches enough and the girls that have been on this team for not only my success, but the team’s success,” she said.
Losing her seniors after a full four-year career is not easy for Pilkington, and she emphasized how important those players were to her.
“I think they’re great leaders for us. I think they do a good job of showing the younger players the way and paving the way for what it means to be a Tiger and part of Tiger softball,” she said. “I think they do a great job. It’s going to be tough to lose those kids. I loved every minute with them. They put together great careers, and it’s sad to see them go. But I’m really excited for them and the next step of this season.”
Schmidt also conveyed a similar message when asked about the leadership she and the seniors were able to provide during this season.
“I think that we’ve done a good job of trying to lead the freshmen. Because my freshman class was also really big, so we just try to remember that we were in their position once and try and help them through everything that they may need help with, guide them through any problems, and just teach them how Tiger softball does things,” she said.
Pierce concluded with a message to the younger players on the team.
“I would say to the players, trust this team, trust their own ability, and just keep working hard, because this is one heck of a group,” she said.
FHSU will open postseason play against Emporia State at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Fleharty Family Field.