The bleachers were packed on both sides, the energy was tense as the opposing student bodies taunted each other, fans and parents alike were on the edge of their seats as the girls softball team took on Troy Buchanan with a berth in the state quarterfinals on the line. 

They’ll return to the edge of those seats today as the game was suspended after the 11th inning as it got too dark outside to continue the game. 

The Trojans went up in the first inning, leading 1-0. They held onto their lead until the bottom of the fourth, where the Spartans tied it up. Both teams held strong through the seventh inning, it wasn’t until the 11th that the teams traded runs, tying it up 2-2. In a game as evenly matched as this, this is no easy victory for either team, according to senior outfielder Josie Bezzole.

“They’re just a really good team and we’re a really good team,” Bezzole said. 

Activities Director Scott Harris knows the stakes are high and the skill sets of both teams are even higher. 

“The winner of this game goes to the Final Four and we’re in the same conference, we played each other four times this year,” Mr. Harris said. “[This game is] just two great programs, two great teams, two great coaches.”

When the game continues this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the top of the 12th inning, it will be the 270th pitch of the game. No admission will be charged to attend the game as both teams fight tooth and nail for their spot in the Final Four, which will be played on Oct. 28 in Springfield. 

“[The team is] nervous, but I think we’ll do great,” Bezzole said. “I think this is going to be a good story to tell and we’re going to do great.”