Grain Valley Softball State Bound

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

The mood was light and lively Tuesday night at the popular Grain Valley restaurant The Local, where members of the state-bound Grain Valley High School softball team celebrated their nerve-wracking nine-inning, 2-1 victory over Liberty North.

That Saturday afternoon win punched the 30-6 Eagles to state, where they will play Columbia Rock Bridge at noon, Thursday in the Class 5 semifinals at Meador Park in Springfield.

"We came so close (to going to state) last year," said Molly Jones, who had an RBI and went the distance in the quarterfinal victory. "We're having fun tonight. We knew when to have a good time, and we know when it's time to get to business. And we're going to be all business Thursday in Springfield."

Madison Rust, who overcame an ankle injury in the first inning, scored a run and saved a game-tying home run by Liberty North when she reached over the fence in left-center field to make the defensive gem of the game."

"We didn't get off to a very good start this year, but right now, we're playing the best we've played all season," Rust said. "We're happy and having a lot of fun tonight. And we will be ready to Thursday."

The Eagles take a 14-game winning streak into Thursday's semifinal game, and coach Flip Courter said his squad is focused and ready for the challenges that come from a final four.

"To be successful, we have to play our game," Courter said. "And by that, I mean play the type of softball we've played the last 14 games - and most of the season. We've already beat some teams that are as good as any teams in the state, and I know we're going to get the job done."

He paused for a moment, and grinned.

"And we have to be loose," he said. "And with this group, that will not be a problem. They know when to have fun, like tonight, and when they cross the lines, it's all business."