The Amherst Softball team was the #7 seed in the tournament, but they played like a #1 seed.

May 26 @ Stratford
The Falcons opened tournament play by winning 5-3 against the #2 seed Stratford Tigers. Stratford outscored Amherst in the fifth inning 3-1, but the Falcons rallied hard in the sixth, scoring 4 runs to take the game. Jackie Nooyen and Aubrey Chandler each had doubles in the win.

May 28 @ Peshtigo
The Lady Falcons traveled to #3 seed Peshtigo for the Regional Final, getting the job done by winning 4-2.

After falling behind 2-0 in the second inning, Amherst scored one in the sixth and three in the seventh to upset the Bulldogs. In the seventh, Delaney Conner doubled, while Izzy Losinski, Ava Dambroski, and Calee Schulist each singled to give the Falcons the lead.

Pitcher Sam Nooyen shut down the Pestigo batters in the seventh to seal the win. Sam gave up 9 hits, struck out 3, and gave up no walks.

Here’s a bit of trivia: In the final Sweet 16 for Division 3, there were eight #1 seeds, four #2 seeds, two #3 seeds, one #4 seed…and the ONLY #7 seed is your Amherst Falcons. Congratulations for becoming Regional Champs!

Senior Sam Nooyen was named First Team All Conference; senior Presley Voss and freshman Jackie Nooyen were named Second Team All Conference; and seniors Calee Schulist and Delaney Conner won Honorable Mention.

Amherst will travel to #1 seed Wittenberg on Tuesday, June 2.

June 2 @ Witt-Birn
The Falcons’ bid for a State appearance fell short at Witt-Birn, falling 12-2 to the Chargers. Despite two hits by Aubrey Chandler, and a hit each from Jackie Nooyen, Ivy Boelk, Delaney Conner, and Sam Nooyen (a double), the Falcons just couldn’t get enough runners across home plate.

Sam Nooyen pitched well, giving up only three earned runs but committing eight errors.

With the loss, the team says goodbye to seniors Allison Lassa, Aubrey Chandler, Sam Nooyen, Presley Voss, Calee Schulist, and Delaney Conner.

Amherst ends the season with a 15-10 record.