Republic celebrated Senior Night with three home runs, including a grand slam by catcher Emily Hall, in an 8-2 win over Rogersville Monday. Hall and Taylor Gold slugged back-to-back homers in a five-run 4th inning that put the game away for the Lady Tigers. Kami Holt hit a solo shot in the 1st.
The win was the 22nd of the year for the Lady Tigers, tying a school record for victories in a year. It’s the most games Republic has ever won during the regular season.
The historic win came on a night when Republic honored six seniors — Molly Zinecker, Abby Norris, Cheyenne Roberts, Micaela Thorne, Morgan Cantrell, and Taylor Gold. Zinecker and Gold were both 2-for-4 for the Lady Tigers. Thorne also had a hit in her Senior Night start. Abby Norris reached base four times–all on walks.
Coach Lee Dishman says the senior leadership has made a big difference in the team this year.
“When we roll out to practice, me and Coach Stolte don’t even have to start practice. Our seniors have already got them going and they know what to do,” Dishman says. “They keep the girls in line the whole time, and the girls really respect them because they work hard every day.”
Rachel Rook picked up her 19th win of the season, striking out seven and walking four. She allowed two base hits. Both of Rogersville’s runs were unearned.
Republic opens district play Thursday at Carthage with a semifinal game against either Neosho or Joplin.
