Northampton’s softball team held on to a 1-0 lead against Parkland for six innings before losing 3-1 in the District XI Class 6A softball quarterfinal at Parkland High School last Wednesday.

“We had them on the ropes,” said Northampton coach Kevin Mann. “I was hoping our season wouldn’t end this way. We were this close.”

Heather Alich had the RBI for the K-Kids in the first inning.

The Trojans threatened to score in the second inning with the bases loaded and one out.

“Honestly, I was really nervous, so I had to trust myself. I knew my pitches would work,” said Northampton pitcher Taylor Keeney. “I really felt like I was in the zone, and everything was working.”

In the fourth inning, Northampton center fielder Brandi Davidson made a difficult catch with a Parkland runner on second base.

“We were all playing in, and as soon as I saw the hit coming right at me, I felt scared a little bit,” Davidson said. “I could hear people hooting and hollering. I didn’t know I jumped, but it was a nice, fast line drive.”

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Parkland’s threats became real when Makenzie Wolf’s hit to center scored Lexi Medero, Morgan Maguire scored on an error, and Jenna Lehr scored on Aubree Fritzinger’s base hit.

Lehr’s single to short created some controversy when Hallie Muffley fell forward as Parkland’s Megan Fenstermaker ran from second base to third.

“The runner’s leg hit Hallie in the head, she fell, and then the ball hit her,” said Coach Mann.

No call was made.

“I’m pretty heartbroken,” said Keeney, “but we played our hearts out.”