It's hard to believe it's over.

After months of late practices, long bus rides, exciting wins, and unforgettable moments, the 2025 Valley Christian softball season has come to a close. Not with a trophy in our hands – but with pride in our hearts.

We started our playoff run with confidence and fire. In the first round against Page, we came out swinging – putting up six runs in the first inning and never looking back. Makay Fraley, Abrielle Jarles, and Sophie Kercsmar helped set the tone early, with Sophie crushing a three-run homer. We tacked on five more in the fourth behind big hits from Maddy Harmon with a bases clearing triple and a two-run home run courtesy of Ryann Nelson. 12 hits. Six Stolen bases. Final Score: 11-1.

Leigha Kremlacek was nearly untouchable in the circle, allowing just one unearned run on one hit through four and two-thirds innings. It was a complete performance – precise, composed, and relentless.

Then came the quarterfinals against Yuma Catholic.

In the fifth inning, down 3-0, we began to rally. Taya Clausen drew a gritty walk, setting the table for the heart of the order. Lo Colvin ripped a single, followed by a perfectly placed bunt single by Maddy Harmon, loading the bases. With momentum building, Makay Fraley stepped up and delivered – smacking a two-run single to left, scoring Colvin and pinch-runner Libby Juist. Harmon, on an aggressive attempt to reach third and score, was thrown out. During Ryann Nelson's at bat, Makay Fraley stole, reaching second. Nelson put the ball in play becoming the second out, but successfully moving the Fraley to third. Abrielle Jarles kept the rally alive, singling in Fraley and tying the game. The energy was electric. In one inning, we erased the deficit, proving once again how dangerous our lineup could be under pressure.

Defensively, we played one of our sharpest games of the season. From the circle, Makay Fraley was lights-out, facing 28 batters and allowing no earned runs. She struck out five, including two looking, gave up just four hits, and held Yuma Catholic to a .160 batting average. Behing her, our defense responded with confidence and grit. Abrielle Jarles was a standout at shortstop, recording 6 total chances (second most behind the catcher) – five assists, one putout and on top of that a full-extension diving play that had the Trojans fans going nuts and the Shamrocks struggling for words. We executed a key double play on a bunt, perfectly read and caught by Amelia Bowman and fired back to Leigha Kremlacek at first to kill the momentum. Behind the plate, Amelia Bowman caught one of her best games all season, blocking pitches in the dirt, staying composed under pressure, and helping guide Makay through tight spots with her poise and presence. And still – as solid as we played, it was small defensive miscues that ultimately cost us the game. In softball, that's how razor thin the margin can be: one swing, one bounce, one moment.

The game would come down to the wire. We traded scoreless innings, matching Yuma Catholic pitch for pitch, play for play. Then, in the bottom of the seventh, with two outs and the game still tied 3-3, a single to left brought in the walk-off run for the shamrocks. A 4-3 loss for the Trojans. Just like that, the season came to an end. And though it stings, it also fuels us to come back stronger.

But make no mistake – we are not disappointed in our season. Only in its conclusion.
 
Because this year, we proved who we are.

We battled through one of the toughest schedules a 3A team faced. We finsihed with a 13-1 conference record and won our third straight Region Championship. We hit a .454 team batting average, scored 307 runs, smashed 20 home runs, and stole 99 bases. Our defense was disciplined, our pitchers dominant, and our bond unbreakable.

15 out of 16 players earned All-Region recognition – a number that speaks louder than any scoreboard. And to the one teammate who didn't: your impact was just as vital. You gave everything to this team, and your role mattered deeply in every inning, every win, every moment.

To our seniors – Taya, Libby, and Addi – thank you. Thank you for leading us with heart, passion, and poise. You've left behind a legacy that will carry this program forward. You've shown us what it looks like to lead with grace and to finish with everything left on the field. You will be missed more than words can say.

To our coaches, thank you for believing in us, pushing us, and preparing us for every challenge.

Coach Fraley reminded us throughout the season: "It's not about me, it's about we."

And Coach Jared, watching from the 2A/3A state championships, said it best: "You're talented enough to win this. But if you want it – really want it- take one year and commit. Hit, pitch, and train when no one's watching. Stay close to each other. Get to a level you've never been before, mentally and physically. I want back in this game next year."

So do we.

We watched the team that beat us play for the state title – and push it to extra innings. That shows us just how close we really were. We know now what it takes to get there. And we're ready.

To our families, faculty, and fans – thank you for standing behind us. For every word of encouragement. You lifted us all season long, and we're forever grateful.

To our teammates returning next year: the work starts now. We've seen what we're capable of, we know the path forward. Stay close. Stay committed. And come back stronger.

Because next season, we're not just playing to compete.

We're playing to finish.

And when we do –

We'll carry everything this team gave us – every lesson, eery laugh, every loss, end every win – into every practice, every inning, and every moment. This team? It's not over. It's just the beginning of something even greater. And we can't wait to write the next chapter – together.

With love and gratitude,

Valley Christian Softball 2025