Senior Essary's big bat can't salvage Senior Night

Republic has only one softball senior, and she made her mark on Senior Night when Webb City came to town Thursday. EmmaLee Essary hit for the cycle — with a single, a double, a triple, and a home run — and added one more double for good measure. But it wasn't enough for a win, as Webb City knocked off Republic 18-17 in 10 innings.

The two teams combined for 35 runs and 44 base hits.

"Emi's in a tough spot, being the only senior along with a bunch of young kids," said coach Lee Dishman. "But her positive leadership is what carries these young kids, and she leads by example. She does a wonderful job mentoring our young kids and showing them what it is to be a Republic softball player. With our grind of a season, she knows how to battle. These girls lean on her heavily for that."

Gracie Woods was 5-for-6. Three other players for Republic — Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs, Addie Brown, and Sammi Watson — had three base hits. Watson and Jenna Belcher each homered.

Piper Dishman was the losing pitcher for Republic, allowing 14 runs (13 earned) in 4 2/3 innings. Kara Goeke pitched 5 1/3 innings in relief, allowing four runs — none of them earned.

Republic led 6-5 after one inning, trailed 12-6 after two, and trailed 12-9 after three. Each team scored two runs in the fourth. Republic scored a single run in the fifth to make the score 14-12, but Webb City made it 15-12 with a run in the sixth.

The Lady Tigers tied the score with three runs in the bottom of the seventh. In the top of the eighth, Kara Goeke retired Webb City in order for the first time all night — and Republic put the first two runners on base in the bottom of the inning, but failed to score.

Webb City finally broke the tie with three runs in the top of the tenth. Republic scored twice in the bottom of the 10th and had the tying run on base when the game ended.