The Audubon Wheelers keep the season alive and punched their ticket to the state tournament with a terrific win against MVAOCOU. It didn’t come easy for the Wheelers, as a stout Rams defense constantly shut down anything the Wheelers tried to do. Mattie Nielsen led off the game with a single, but Rams pitcher Mya Goslar responded by striking out Taryn Petersen, before Jordan Porsch hit a screamer to the 2nd baseman who touched the base then quickly threw over to second to turn a double play.

The double play set the tone early, as in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings, the Wheelers found themselves with runners in scoring position, with MVAOCOU finding a way out of the jam each inning. Coach Schwery talked about what she had to tell her players in the dugout.

Runs were scarce to come by on both sides, as Riley Miller had another standout performance. The freshman added to her dominant campaign, striking out 12 Ram batters and not allowing a single hit on the night. Coach Schwery talked about Miller’s season.

It all came down to the bottom of the 7th inning. Anna Larsen led off the inning with a stand-up double, then advanced to 3rd on a passed ball. With the winning run only 60 feet away, the Rams pinned back their ears, with Gemeni Goodwin and Mattie Nielsen both hitting pop-ups to the shortstop. Then with a 1-1 count, Taryn Petersen hit one to the 3rd base-shortstop gap. Rams shortstop MaKynlee made a terrific snag and throw over to first but there was no beating Taryn Petersen’s speed as she walked it off for the Lady Wheelers. After the game, Coach Schwety tipped her cap to players both past and present.

The Wheelers will await to find their seeding for the state tournament in Fort Dodge. Their first game will be next Tuesday the 23rd. The Rams’ season comes to an end at 20-12. The Rams graduate three seniors.