Emotional wins for Simpson, Fairfield softball team

FAIRFIELD — Emotions were running high in the Fairfield dugout on Thursday night, as the Trojan softball team began postseason play against rival Mt. Pleasant.

The 13th-ranked Trojans’ play, however, remained calm. Fairfield not only ousted the Panthers 13-0 in three innings, but then traveled to No. 12 Knoxville two days later for a 10-2 win in the semifinals.

It was especially emotional for Fairfield senior Hannah Simpson, who found out about the passing of her grandfather, Jim Simpson, on Thursday morning.

“I arrived to the field, and this might be weird, but I saw him in the stands,” said Simpson after Thursday’s win. “We had a ticket for him. We left his seat open, and he was watching me with pride.”

Simpson’s head coach, Bob Bradfield, said he was proud of how his senior first baseman played through her emotions.

“Obviously, when you have a grandparent pass away unexpectedly, it’s tough,” said Bradfield. “You couldn't really tell by the way she played. She was ready to play.”

The Trojans jumped on the Panthers early, scoring 10 runs in the first inning. Fairfield put up three in the second, and a scoreless Mt. Pleasant third ended the game via the 12-run mercy rule.

In just two offensive innings, Delaney Breen had a double, four RBIs and two runs scored to lead the offense. Breen, like Simpson, was one of five seniors playing their final game on the Trojans’ home field.

“Obviously, it's sad,” she said. “You don't want to leave a place like this, but all good things must come to an end.”

Coty Engle didn’t give up a hit in three innings of work on the circle. She also reached base all three times and scored thrice, while bringing in one run on an RBI single. Simpson and Emersyn Manley each had two RBIs.

Mt. Pleasant’s Ella McNamee was the only Panther to get on base, reaching with a walk. Emma Starr had a sacrifice bunt in her only at-bat of the game.

For the Panthers, it was the last game for senior Savana Walls, who has been a part of the Mt. Pleasant softball program for five years now. After the game, head coach Mike Beason says his squad will miss their leader, but he looks forward to the future for one of the youngest teams in Class 4A.

“They've all developed and grown this year,” Beason said. “We had some peaks and valleys, but I'm proud of them.”

While Mt. Pleasant’s year was ended, Fairfield still had work to do. The Trojans had a big task on Saturday, attempting to beat Knoxville on their own home field, but Fairfield would run away with an eight-run victory.

Fairfield scored five runs in the top of the first. Knoxville battled back to cut the lead to 5-2, but the Trojans poured on five more in the seventh

Jenna Norris was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs in the win. Savannah Hollander went 1-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Hannah Sipson went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Engle, Danielle Breen and Lilly Bergren all knocked in runs.

Engle had another big day in the circle. She gave up two earned runs over seven innings, striking out seven Knoxville batters along the way.

Fairfield (29-9) will now get the chance to travel to play the top ranked team in Class 4A. No. 1 Winterset will host No. 12 Fairfield in the Class 4A Region 5 championship on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.