An amazing season came to an end for the Golden Rams on Saturday in Waite Park, as they suffered their second loss of the tournament, ending their hopes of advancing to the national tournament. The Golden Rams started off their day winning the loser-go-home game against the Ladyjays of MN West and advancing to play against SCTCC. The Cyclones got the best of the Golden Rams once again, as the defensive errors by the Golden Rams were simply too much to overcome.
In their first game on Saturday, the Golden Rams started slow, failing to score any runs in the first three innings. The Golden Rams gave up two runs in the top of the fourth off defensive errors, but they would respond, scoring three of their own in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by the first of two home runs for Lyla Galli. They kept piling on the runs after that, scoring two in the fifth, and five in the sixth to wrap the game up early. Lyla Galli was effective as the starting pitcher, striking out five while allowing just five hits. She moves to 1-1 in post-season play with the win. From the plate, the Golden Rams struggled to hit early, but got much more consistent as the game went on. Lyla Galli was 2-2 with two home runs and three RBIs. Marissa Kerry was 2-3 with two RBIs. Madison Segler was also 2-3 with two RBIs. Sunny Strait was 2-4 with a double and two RBIs. The Golden Rams were able to wrap up the game in six innings, advancing to face the Cyclones of St. Cloud Tech.
In the second game of the day, the Golden Rams took on the Cyclones of SCTCC in another elimination game. It was a tough start defensively for the Golden Rams, as they gave up six runs in the first two innings, all of which were unearned. They also committed four errors in the first two innings. Molly Gross was the starting pitcher who recorded the loss, despite pitching well for much of the game and generating a lot of ground balls. She struck out two while allowing six hits. Lyla Galli pitched ⅔ of an inning in relief, striking out none while allowing five hits. From the plate, the Golden Rams struggled to get going. It was a rocky start for Anoka Ramsey, especially on defense, as they trailed 4-1 after two innings. The Golden Rams defense held the Cyclones scoreless in the third before a tough fourth inning where they gave up seven runs. Unfortunately, the Golden Rams couldn't answer back, ultimately dropping the game 13-1 in five innings.
It was a heartbreaking end to a phenomenal season for the Golden Rams. They finished second in the MCAC-South regular season standings, ninth in the NJCAA standings, and second in the Region XIIIA tournament. There will be a separate article wrapping up the season soon.
-Story written by Nick Balmanno, Athletics Intern
