Staff writer
After losing in the softball regional championship round last season, Hillsboro senior Danae Bina said she felt something she did not want to feel again.
“It was the first time in any sport I didn’t go to state,” she said. “It feels tremendous to go after we didn’t last year.”
Hillsboro qualified for the 2A state tournament Tuesday by winning both of its regional games by more than five runs. What speaks more to the talent of the team is that Bina is the only senior.
“I can kind of take a lead role,” she said. “But all of the girls are really talented.”
In the regional championship game, the Trojans slowly built their lead against Inman behind the pitching of Julie Sinclair, who pitched a complete shutout.
After taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning, Hillsboro scored two more after Kennedy Lucero and Allison Weber walked to begin the second inning for a 4-0 lead.
Inman batters struggled to hit Sinclair’s pitches, often times striking out or hitting into quick outs. The Teuton defense kept the score from getting out of hand in the fourth and fifth innings, though, finishing innings after two Trojans got into scoring position.
Hillsboro delivered the final blow in the sixth inning, scoring three more insurance runs for a 7-0 lead. The Trojans would hold at the top of the seventh inning for the win.
Hillsboro next will play in the state tournament May 29 in Great Bend.