Beatrice tops Norris, completes epic comeback against Crete in opening day at state softball

HASTINGS - The day started a little slow for Beatrice Wednesday, but it ended in unthinkable fashion.

The No. 2 seed Lady O (31-4) started off Wednesday with a 4-0 win over No. 7 seed and rival Norris (20-9) at the state softball tournament in Hastings.

While the lead built slowly, the win was highlighted by senior Addison Barnard hitting her 60th career home run, which is a new Nebraska career record.

Barnard also tossed a complete game in the circle to lead her team to victory over the Titans. Tavia Hausman and Carley Lenners each had solo shot home runs against Norris.

Going into the second round winners' bracket game in Class B, Crete (30-5) was fresh off of a 10-2 win over Omaha Gross Catholic on Wednesday morning and got off to a fast start against Beatrice, leading 8-3 in the fourth.

In the bottom of the fifth, Beatrice inexplicably reeled off 13 runs to mercy rule the Cardinals, 16-8. The 13 runs in the bottom of the 5th are a new Class B state record for most runs scored in an inning at the state tournament.

The big frame included three straight home runs by the Lady O. Senior Hannah Lytle hit a grand slam, freshman Riley Schwisow hit her first homer of the year and freshman Avery Barnard followed with a single-shot of her own.

Beatrice, who's now beat Crete four times this year, has a big test waiting in Thursday's semifinal when they take on No. 4 seed Wayne (32-3) at 4:30 p.m.

The Blue Devils beat Hastings, 4-0 and then blanked Seward 8-0 Wednesday.

Wayne senior pitcher Tori Kniesche was dominant Wednesday, striking out 19 against Hastings, while tossing a no-hitter and striking out 11 against Seward.

Beatrice's game with Wayne will broadcast live on 1450 AM and 94.7 FM KWBE.