WNCC softball team finishes second at regional tournament, seven players earn all-region

The Western Nebraska Community College softball team’s spectacular run at the Region IX softball tournament just came up short after going 2-2 on the final day. The Cougars forced an if-necessary game against the host team Otero Junior College, defeating the Rattlers 11-7 in the first championship game.

But, Otero was too strong in the final game, taking the title 13-1 over WNCC. For the tournament, though, WNCC show-cased themselves well. The team hit 19 home runs in the two-day tournament, and saw seven players earn all-region honors -- five on the first team.

It was also the second straight year that WNCC has finished second in the region. They also finished the season with a school-record 36 wins. And, they did it with a freshman-dominated team with just two sophomores on this year’s team – Ashley Eichelberger and Jessica Ventoza.

WNCC earned that berth in the championship game with two exciting wins. After falling into the loser’s bracket by a heart-wrenching loss to Otero 8-7, WNCC came back and defeated North Platte Community College 17-16 and then Otero 11-7 to set up a second championship.

In that second title contest, Otero jumped out to a 7-0 lead after three innings and never looked back.

In earlier action, WNCC held a 6-2 lead over Otero in the morning game only to watch the Rattler’s score six runs to take the game 8-7. WNCC did have a change late, but Ashley Eichelberger’s long ball was caught a the fence before the outfielder tumbled over the fence.

That set up a contest with North Platte. The Knights grabbed a 10-2 lead after three innings. WNCC responded with seven runs in the fourth on three home runs, and went on to win 17-16. Natasha Dypchey picked up the win to send the Cougars into the championship needing to defeat the Rattlers twice.

They accomplished that first goal registering the 11-7 win as Pexton picked up the win and Dypchey getting the save. Both teams were tied at 3-3 after three innings, before the Cougars regained the lead 4-3 on a Amanda Torimaru solo home run.

The Cougars pushed the lead to 7-4 in the fifth inning on home runs by Eichelberger and Lauren Mills, before adding four more runs in the sixth inning for the 11-7 win and forcing the if necessary game.

Earning first team all-region honors for the 36-21 Cougars were infielders Jessica Ventoza, Jessie McNabb and Kara Ryman; pitcher Natasha Dypchey; and outfielder Lauren Mills. Ashley Eichelberger and Amanda Hensley each earned second team all-region honors.

Saturday’s Region IX Tournament Scores
Lamar 15, Dawson 3
Otero 8, WNCC 7
North Platte 10, Lamar 2
WNCC 17, North Platte 16
WNCC 11, Otero 7
Otero 13, WNCC 1