MANKATO, MN – A record setting season came to an end today in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) tournament championship. The Vikings entered today needing to win two games against the #4 University of Northwestern Eagles. The Vikings fell behind early in game one and couldn't recover, losing 5-0 to end their season.
The Eagles started the game hot, loading the bases just four batters in, and then scored their first run of the game with a single through the left side. The quick start forced an early pitching change as Bria Majeski entered the game for Shelby Bloemendaal. Majeski hit the first batter she faced to give the Eagles another run and a 2-0 lead before the inning ended.
The Vikings scattered five hits throughout the game, but were unable to generate any runs. They went three up and three down in four of the seven innings today. Zoe Kinakin led the way offensively, going 2-3 in the game. Kinakin finished the season with a .413 average as the Vikings top overall hitter.
The Vikings nearly scored their first run of the ballgame in the third inning. Courtney Williams reached first base on a fielder's choice and then advanced to second on a single from Sarah Presler. Kinakin then hit a hard ball to right field when Williams rounded the corner from second to third, headed for home, but was thrown out at the plate. That was as close as the Vikings would come to scoring a run in the game as they fell by a final score of 5-0.
Lexi Kopacek was tough all tournament long for the Eagles, leading them to three of their four wins. The Eagles defense also played a very clean game today with no errors to help out their pitcher.
The Vikings have a lot to be proud of this season. First, they won the UMAC regular season championship for the first time in program history with a 15-1 conference record. On their way to the championship, the Vikings set a school record for most wins in a season, finishing the year with 27 victories. Haylee Sobrero, a junior college transfer from Paradise, CA, set an individual season record with 39 RBIs this year. She also tied the school record for most bases in a season with 82. Bria Majeski, a junior transfer from Minnesota State and Rockford, MN, tied the school record for most wins in a season with 15. She also tied the school record with five shutouts.
The Vikings will return the majority of their roster next year as they lose only two seniors. They will say good bye to Kendra Porath and Julia Pfeiffer.
