The third time was not the charm for the Oconto Falls High School softball team in the opening round of the WIAA Division 2 regional against visiting Seymour.
After defeating the Thunder in two regular-season meetings, Oconto Falls fell 6-2 Wednesday to bring an early end to its season.
Seymour starter Joeley Bluma held the Panthers to four hits, walked five and struck out one.
Oconto Falls scored both of its runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.
“I tip my hat to her for having a great game on the mound and to the entire Seymour team,” Panthers coach Rochell Otto said. “They had key hits and played solid.”
Seymour (5-18, 1-15 Bay Conference) produced a three-run fourth inning to take the lead. A two-run double by Anna Schenk (2 for 4, two runs, two RBIs) scored Zoe Moehring and Julie Baumgart. Schenk eventually scored on a passed ball.
The Panthers attempted to rally in the bottom of the fourth, behind 5-0, on a double by Holly Virtues to score Madison Helmle and a sacrifice fly by Julie Moore to plate Sadie Pankratz.
Panthers sophomore McKenna Kussow, who pitched every inning for Oconto Falls this season, allowed three earned runs on nine hits, walked one and fanned two hitters.
Otto credited Kussow for her play throughout the season, and said she should have some help for her junior season.
“Our pitcher did not walk many people. She made the opponents put it in play. That is what we wanted her to do,” Otto said. “Unfortunately we did not always make the plays that we felt we were capable of making.
“(Kussow) was our IronWoman on the mound this season. Fortunately there are at least two upcoming freshman that are pitchers. We will give them a strong look.”
As Oconto Falls (6-17, 5-11 Bay Conference) looks forward to next season, it will have to replace departing seniors Sabrina Brasier, Elizabeth Manns, McKayla Johnson, McKenna Holman, Holly Virtues and Julie Moore.
Mann, who hit .400 during the season, was named the Panthers Most Valuable Player. Brasier batted .405 in the team’s last 15 games.
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