By Keri Wagoner
The Aurora softball team wrapped up their 2024 season after a close loss to Grand Island Central Catholic at Sub-Districts in York. The Huskies had a tight game against the Crusaders, losing 8-9, ultimately ranking third in the district and forty-second overall for the state.
Aurora started their season strong, winning their first away games by a score of 12-2 against Lexington and 15-2 against Auburn. At Lexington, the Huskies scored in the first, third, fourth, and sixth. Senior Kennedy Kleinschmidt had four plate appearances, four at-bats, and three runs. At Auburn, senior Adi Fahrnbruch and junior Adrianna Brei each hit a home run, scoring in the first and fourth.
The Huskies’ first home game versed Fillmore Central, ended by a winning score of 11-0. Fahrnbrunch had six RBIs, three plate appearances, three runs and a home run. Aurora traveled to Utica to compete against Centennial, beating them twice by scores of 12-1 and 18-6. In the first game, Brei and sophomore Violet Carstensen both hit doubles. Senior Zoe Johnson had three runs, seven RBIs, and a triple in the second game.
“This season as a team we talked about winning nine out of twelve tournament games and going to state. I am a very competitive person in general, but I continue to play the game for my teammates. I would not be where I am without my teammates who have put in just as much as me,” Carstensen said.
At Kearney’s varsity tournament, the Huskies won against South Sioux City, 10-0 with eleven total hits and zero errors. They scored in the second, third, and fourth, with three at-bats and two RBIs from junior Emily Gonzalez. Additionally, they won against Scottsbluff, 6-3, with Farnbruch and Teahon each having two RBIs.
Contributing to their three-day winning streak, Aurora won against Cozad, 10-1, with 13 total hits and zero errors. They scored in the first, second, fourth, and sixth. Kleinschmidt and Farnbruch each had a triple, while Gonzalez had a double. Traveling to Crete for their varsity tri, the Huskies took on Schuyler only going until the third, 12-0. Teahon had eight put-outs while sophomore Josie Fink had 31 total pitches. Fink faced nine batters and struck out eight.
It was an exciting home game against Grand Island Northwest with an ending score of 4-3. It was 1-2 in the fifth until Teahon hit a home run in the seventh, setting the Huskies 3-1 against the Vikings.
“My favorite part of the season was winning against Northwest for sure. It was something that I honestly thought wouldn’t happen not only because they were unbeatable but because they are also a good team. One goal I had in mind this season is being positive and keeping my head high even when things don’t turn out the way we want them to,” Gonzalez said.
At Central City, the team had a close game, winning 5-3 with senior Hannah Janda hitting two RBIs. Aurora had two successful wins at the varsity tournament at Northwest: Winsor, 10-5, and Scottsbluff, 11-5. The last home game versus Lakeview was held on Aurora’s senior night. They ended with 4-2, scoring twice in both the second and fifth. Johnson hit a double, while Brei and Kleinschmidt each hit an RBI. At Crete, the Huskies competed against Duchesne/Roncalli, winning 10-0. Kottwitz and Carstensen each had two runs. Kottwitz additionally had two RBIs and one double.
At Seward, Aurora won 11-1 scoring in the first, third, fourth and fifth. Brei and Teahon each hit a home run, Fahrnbruch had a triple, and Johnson had a double. With the last win of the season, Aurora won against York, 5-2 at the Varsity Conference in Seward.