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| Senior Ashley Betzold had a hit in both games at state (photo by Jim Lindquist) |
The loss eliminated Farmington, who fell to Suburban East Conference champion Forest Lake 3-1 earlier in the day, from the state meet. Orono advanced to tomorrow morning's consolation championship game.
The Tigers played well enough to win against the Spartans but couldn't come up with the key hit when they needed it. They made but one error in the field and pitcher Ashley Betzold allowed just six hits.
Becky Smith had a single, double and a solo home run and scored both runs for the Spartans. Orono pitcher Anna Berg recorded a dozen Farmington strikeouts.
The Tigers' biggest threat came in the fourth inning when Molly Berdan singled and Amber Doyle doubled to put runners on second and third base with one out. Toni Hunsinger and Kendall Novak grounded out to end the inning.
Farmington had just two two other base runners in the contest. Doyle walked in the second inning and Betzold singled in the sixth.
Betzold wrapped up her stellar career at Farmington with another solid effort, scattering six hits, striking out three and walking one. The loss also marked the end of the career for Hunsinger, the team's other senior. Both plan to attend St. Mary's University in Winona next fall.
Farmington closed its 2013 season with a shining 20-7 record. The Tigers finished runner-up in the Missota Conference, claimed their second straight Section 1AAA title and advanced to the state tournament for the third time in school history.
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| Senior Toni Hunsinger played on 2 Tiger state tournament teams (photo by Jim Lindquist)
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