Hartland Softball Loses to Romeo in Regional Semifinal

OXFORD — The softball team met its match in Romeo on Saturday in a regional semifinal game.

The Eagles were kept off balance by Romeo freshman pitcher Taylor Weaver in a 2-0 loss.

“She had good control,” Hartland coach Carl Gabrielson said. “We have good hitters and she had them on their heels. “

Weaver struck out 11 and scattered five hits over seven innings. 

“The hardest part is that we had people (in scoring position) early and we couldn’t get them in,” Gabrielson said. 

Hartland senior captain Kayla Gustitus was in tears after the game, as were many of the Eagles.

“I’m a senior and I’m done with softball,” she said. “It’s unreal. I never thought it would come.”

Romeo (25-3) scored both of its runs in the third inning with two outs on a single, an error and a triple.

“It was an entertaining game,” Gabrielson said. “It boiled down to who was able to get the runs home.”

Hartland pitcher Abbie Minsker was disappointed in the finish.

“It was just an off day for us,” she said. “I don’t know. We were on a roll and we had a chance to finish out the tournament. 

“It’s sad to break up this team. We love the seniors. We’ll have to start over next year.”

In addition to Gustitus, the Eagles will lose Laura Oliver and Katie Tackett to graduation.

“We did our best,” Hartland’s Dariean Bennington said. “It’s hard because it’s the end of the season and we’re saying goodbye to the seniors. It’s hard to say goodbye.”

Romeo coach Dave McIntyre said Hartland is an excellent team.

“They hit a couple balls really hard, but they were right at someone,” he said. “When you play error-free ball, you’re going to win lots of games.”

The Eagles finish the season with a 31-5 mark.

“This is what it’s all about,” Gabrielson said. “The best teams playing each other. It’s fun, you get to see what your team is made of. I’m proud of them, we played well. That one inning was the difference.”