Purdy wins first district title since ‘21 state run

BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

In the last decade, the Purdy softball team has been spoiled with district title trophies, however, this year’s team experienced the glory for the first time.

The Lady Eagles (20-7) extended their win streak to 10 in a row on May 13 with a 5-2 win over Exeter in the Class 1, District 5 championship at Purdy, and not without some fireworks.

Lori Videmschek, Purdy softball coach, said the Lady Eagles played small ball early, bunting their way to go up 2-0, then by the fourth inning, 4-0.

“They brought in Dawnee [Sorensen], and we were able to hit the ball well, but it was right at them,” Videmschek said. “And, they made a few good plays. In the top of the seventh we went up 5-0, but then they hit a 2-run homer in the bottom. We were able to strike a couple out, then they had runners on second and third. A pitch got away from Zoe, and we were all screaming to throw to first, but she threw it to our pitcher at home plate and we tagged the girl who was on third out at home to win the game.”

Videmschek said the Lady Eagles struggled at times with spot locations pitching, but she was happy the team pulled through.

“Any time we play Exeter, it’s a battle,” she said. “We got some timely hits when we needed them.”

Videmschek also credited pitcher Gabrielle Groomer for her 14-strikeout effort. Each team committed one error apiece, and Purdy had 8 hits to Exeter’s 4.

Ashley Fly, Exeter softball coach, said the Lady Tigers’ bats had been tough going into the championship, but they could not make enough contact against Purdy in the early going to plate any runs.

“In the seventh inning, we got some kids on and rattled them,” Fly said. “If we had done that from the start, I think it could have been a different game and different ending.”

Purdy has halted Exeter’s campaign the last two years in a row, and the Lady Tigers have played in three district championships in the past five years — and they are still searching for a title.

“That’s always the goal we set at the beginning of the year,” Fly said. “We preach the process will work itself out. We’ll have some tough games and nights, but the end is what matters. We have to take those tough moments and use them as tools to have the mentality to play in tough situations.

“We played a lot of bigger schools this year to get there, and the kids are already talking ahead about next season getting back to the championship and what they’ll need to do in practice and in the weight room in the offseason. We’re also bringing up younger kids to fill roles, and we hope to get some big plays and possibly win a championship.”

Videmschek said winning the title was momentous for her players, especially the seniors.

“These seniors were in eighth grade the last time we won a district championship in 2021, also the year we won state,” she said. “It took four years for them to finally get here.”

The 2022 season was the only in the last four Purdy was not in the district title bout. The Lady Eagles face Lockwood (20-6) in the Class 1 sectional round today (Wednesday) in Purdy at 5 p.m.

Purdy defeated Galena, 11-0, and Hurley, 10-1, to meet Exeter in the championship. Exeter bested Verona, 17-0, and Crane, 10-3, to reach the game.

State semifinals and third-place games are May 26, and the state championship is May 27. Final four games will be played at Meador Park and Sports Complex in Springfield.