Baseballers place third in World Series
LCC players and fans celebrate a big play during the Division 2II NJCAA World Series in Enid, Okla. Photo courtesy of Coach Steve Cutter
By Jayden Hewitt
Sports Editor
The LCC baseball team took third in the country in the DII NJCAA World Series after the Stars dropped their final game, 12-4 to Southeastern CC, on Friday, June 2.
The game was played at David Allen Ballpark in Enid, Okla. It marked the end of the road for the Stars after a magical season.
The Stars finished fifth last year and third this year; back-to-back two extremely successful seasons. The final record for LCC this season was 50-12.
LCC Head Coach Steven Cutter spoke about his team’s season
“We are so proud of what this team accomplished this season,” Cutter said. “The group was a very uncommon team of student-athletes who were selfless and chased excellence on the field, in the community and in the classroom. They ended up one win short of playing for a national championship and were one of the final three teams playing baseball this season.”
Sophomore infielder Hunter Lay hit the Stars only home run of the final game, and also had two RBIs. Sophomore infielder Chris Hege tallied an RBI as well.
Pitcher Gavin Walters started the game on the mound and suffered the loss. Xander Hall, Christian Arquette and Will Case all worked in relief.
Cutter spoke about what went wrong, and what went right for his team in the loss.
“We just had one of those days where the ball bounces, calls on the field, and momentum would not shift in our favor,” Cutter said. “Our message was the same as always, and it was filled with ‘It's not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.’ They responded well and fought to the end with tears that eventually will turn into smiles and pride in their accomplishments.”
Cutter spoke about the team and how great the current sophomore class was for two years; a class that made it to two NJCAA World Series.
“Every once in a while, you have a class come through that spreads neon throughout the field and community,” Cutter said. “This class just did that, and they were a part of two regional championships and two World Series appearances where they placed fifth and third, respectively, and won 94 games in two years.
“Their efforts inside the lines and out were something of a story tale. They will be missed greatly, and their efforts have raised the Stars’ baseball program to even higher standards of excellence.”
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