Freedom High School softball coach Nora Borger had a good feeling leading up to the Patriots game against Liberty last Tuesday, despite their loss to the Hurricanes a couple of weeks prior.

"In the past, we've been in situations that were hard to watch, but now I have faith in these girls, and I know they can do awesome stuff," Borger said.

Some of that awesome stuff included two doubles and strong defense when it mattered the most, leading to a 2-1 Patriot victory over the Hurricanes.

Freedom's Hunter Schantz had an RBI double in the bottom of the third inning, scoring Brenda Reninga, and in the bottom of the fifth, Shay Peterson hit a double down the third base line. Dana Pollock, who had singled before Peterson, scored on a fielder's choice.

"It was an important at bat, and I knew we had to get another run," said Peterson.

Liberty's only run came in the top of the sixth inning when Reyna DeJesus hit a home run, but the Hurricanes did not stop trying, so with one out and a runner on first base, Borger approached the mound.

"I wanted them to relax and get control, and to get the defense to feel a little better about themselves. I had all the faith in the world that they could get themselves out of a jam," said Borger.

Peterson responded with a ground out and a huge strikeout.

"It was a curve, and it kind of rose a little," she said.

In the top of the seventh, Liberty's Michaela Brunnaben singled, Tori Kaleycik had a bunt single, and both advanced on a passed ball. Another bunt attempt was caught by Reninga.

"I could tell when the bunt was coming and that it was higher up," Reninga said.

With two runners on base and DeJesus coming up to bat, this time Freedom pitching coach Tara McGoff talked to Peterson.

"We didn't want to let her beat us. We wanted to create a force at every base," said McGoff.

DeJesus was walked, and Freedom second baseman Alexis Szaro caught a pop-up to end the game.

"I knew she was going to hit to the right side, and I prepared for that," Szaro said.

The Patriots home victory happened to coincide with senior night.

Borger said, "The girls were confident and focused and excited for their seniors. I expect this from us, these types of games with us coming out on top."