FINDLAY — When a team advances to the state tournament, there’s a natural expectation among fans and many players that the team will be back.
That’s not how sports work. The path isn’t always linear.
Gibsonburg softball fell 12-3 to Sycamore Mohawk in a Division VII regional semifinal, one season after qualifying for a state semifinal.
“They all put in the work outside of practice,” Golden Bears coach Sarah Gruner said. “The No. 1 goal was to win the league. They weren’t happy (losing) after making it to the final four. They wanted more. We try to be better than the day before or the season before.
“We were in the aspect of winning the league. We switched from Division VI this year. It’s a tough road in Division VII.”
Gibsonburg (18-4, 12-1) beat Lakota this week to take the championship outright in the Sandusky Bay Conference River Division.
“I am so proud to be the coach of this team,” Gruner said. “Day in and day out, they put in the work and they give it their all. The first goal was to win the league. Mohawk was the better team.”
Aubrey Gottfried struck out nine and allowed five hits, while adding one of Mohawk’s three home runs at the plate.
“It’s hard to prepare for Aubrey until you go against her,” Gruner said. “She throws hard. She knows the game.”
Emma Jividen hit a solo home run, and Mia Brink collected a two-run single for Gibsonburg.
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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Gibsonburg softball wanted more after rewarding regular season
Reporting by Matthew Horn, Fremont News-Messenger / Fremont News-Messenger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
