Hornettes Season Comes To An End At Regionals

Karly Stanowski receives the pitch behind the plate during the Hornettes season ending loss to Johnston City.
By Brent Huelsmann
The Nashville Hornettes comeback effort fell just short as the Hornettes season came to an end with a 6-5 loss to Johnston City on May 16. The Hornettes trailed most of the game, but could not make a late lead stick as Johnston City moved on to the Regional Championship game. Johnston City would fall to Pinckneyville in the Regional Championship. The Hornettes ended their season with a record of 23-10.
Johnston City got the lead early as they pushed a run across in the top of the second inning. Johnston City added one in the fourth and one in the fifth, to take a 3-0 lead before the Hornettes offense came alive.
Mackenzie McFeron, Paige Kasten, Jordan Stiegman and Karly Stanowski all areached base to lead off the inning. Nashville pushed four runs across the plate in the frame to take the lead.
The big hit of the inning came off the bat of Stanowski as she ripped a two-RBI single that scored McFeron and Kasten. Stiegman would come around to score on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jenna Harris, and a single from Brooke Burcham brought home Stanowski.
Johnston City wasn’t done scoring as they took back the lead in the top of the seventh. Johnston City scored three in the seventh to take a 6-4 lead over the Hornettes.
Nashville had one more run left in them, as Josie Woodrome walked to lead off the inning with a walk. Woodrome would come around to score on a single by Kasten, but it would be the only run the Hornettes could muster. Johnston City held on for a 6-5 win.
After the game, Hornettes coach Shaun Renth praised Johnston City. “Tip your hat to Johnston City. They made things happen on offense, made plays when they had to, and got big hits in key spots. I was happy with the way we battled back and gave ourselves a chance to win. It was just wasn’t in the cards for us today.”
Renth would go on to reflect on the 2018 season.“Obviously this is not the way we wanted to end the season, but these girls accomplished a lot this season. They won 20 games. Won their own tournament. A lot for them to be proud of.”
Renth would also talk about the seniors and the impact they made on the program.
“It will be tough to see this group go. I’ve watched them grow and mature over these last three years, and will miss them very much. They are such a talented group of girls, and have accomplished so much in their four years. Over 100 wins. A State Title. Three Regional crowns. A lot for them to be proud of. They have set a standard I know other groups will strive for and try to exceed in the future. I know these seniors will succeed in whatever they attempt in the future.”
Kyleigh Guinzy pitched all seven innings for the Hornettes. Guinzy gave up six runs on ten hits. Guinzy walked three and struck out three.
At the plate the Hornettes managed just five hits. Stanowski led the way with two hits. Stanowski drove in two runs and scored a run in the game. Kasten finished 1-4 with a run scored and a RBI. Burcham singled and drove in a run in the loss. McFeron notched the final hit for Nashville. McFeron doubled and scored a run. Stiegman walked and scored a run for the Hornettes. Joey Lane, Woodrome, and Ahlers all walked in the loss.