Crusaders Capture 2A Softball Crown
Indianapolis Scecina topped the Elwood Panthers to claim their third Softball State Championship in school history.
In an action packed game, Scecina was the first to strike as they put up a crooked number with a two out rally in the third inning. Senior shortstop Kaylyn Linder started things off with a single, and was quickly brought home by junior second baseman Trinity Eckerty’s double to center field. The Crusaders’ infielders continued to come up big in the inning, as senior third baseman Sara Beers sent an RBI single up the middle, and advanced to second base on the late throw home. Junior outfielder Emma Derry capped the inning off with a double to the gap in right center, plating Beers and bringing the score to 3-0.
The Panthers wouldn’t go away quietly, though. Sophomore shortstop Emily Booker led off the bottom of the third with a double to center field, and was advanced to third by a sacrifice bunt. Elwood got one run back as junior second baseman Gabby Leavell hit an RBI sacrifice fly to center field, which scored Booker easily. The Panthers continued to chip away at Scecina’s lead, as Leavell earned her second RBI of the game during the 5thinning. Elwood’s second baseman singled through a gap in the left side, which brought home pinch runner Harley Trueblook, who was pinch running after senior Mackenzie Bryan’s double to right center.
With the Panthers breathing down their neck, the Scecina bats rose to the occasion during the 7th inning and put some healthy distance between their opponents. Kaylyn Linder continued a good day at the plate, as she hit a two out, two run double to left center field that scored teammates Cali Burgess and Kellianne Mendez. The next batter, Eckerty, notched her second RBI of the day with her own double to center field, making the score 6-2.
Elwood tried to rally in the bottom half of the frame, as a combination of singles and fielder’s choices loaded up the bases. However, the Crusader’s Cassie Smith shut the door on the comeback, and pitched herself out of trouble to close the game out.
Indianapolis Scecina, who is coached by Cory Gray, ended their championship run with a final record of 26-4. The Panthers, under coach JR Reese, wrapped up their season with a 27-5 mark.
Rachel Cox from Scecina Wins Class 2A Mental Attitude Award
Members of the IHSAA Executive Committee announced Rachel Cox from Indianapolis Scecina Memorial High School as the winner of this year’s Mental Attitude Award in Class 2A Softball.
Rachel has earned All-Conference, All-City, and Academic All-Conference honors during her time as a member of the Crusaders softball program. Her teams won conference, city, sectional, and regional championships in each of her four seasons. Rachel was also part of the cheerleading team.
Outside of the softball diamond, she’s actively involved in her school, as well as her community. At Scecina, she was a member of the Key Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, and Spring Musical. Rachel spent time volunteering at the Gleaners Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul. She has been recognized by many awards, including Scholar Athlete and Female Senior Mental Attitude Award Winner.
Rachel is the daughter of Kipp and Heather Cox of Indianapolis, Indiana. She plans to attend Hanover College and major in business marketing and minor in photography.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance presented a $1,000 scholarship to Indianapolis Scecina Memorial High School in the name of Rachel Cox.