NORTH MANKATO-Andrea Semmler's fifth-inning single drove in Cheyenne Swenson with the only Tiger run in Pine River-Backus' 13-1 six-inning loss to Class 1A's top-ranked New York Mills Eagles in the state consolation championship game Friday at Caswell Park.
New York Mills pitcher Rhiana limited PRB to just four hits while striking out 11 and didn't walk a batter.
Brandi McAllister doubled for the Tigers and pinch-hitter Judith Reed and Ashley Anderson each singled as PRB finished sixth in the state.
"This was a great experience," said Pine River-Backus coach John Riewer. "The first game (11-0 loss to Edgerton-SW MN Christian) we were kind of like a deer in the headlights. We had never been there before and were a little hesitant.
"Then we beat a very nice team in Hayfield (5-4) that has a great tradition in softball, and the loss (Friday) isn't going to take away an outstanding season that hopefully gets the kids enthused about playing softball next year."
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Riewer added that six errors were critical in the loss to New York Mills and only four of the Eagles' 13 runs were earned.
"We're here because we have a great pitcher (junior Miah Hansen) and when we play defense behind her, we are competitive," he said.
New York Mills, which finishes 26-1, won its first 24 games this season before losing to Badger/Greenbush/Middle River 6-1 in Thursday's state quarterfinals.
PRB, which graduates only four seniors, finishes 21-9.
"We lose most of our infield, but if Miah continues to improve and some JV girls step up, hopefully we'll be able to get back here," Riewer said. "Sebeka will probably be the team to beat again, but we should be in the hunt."
Consolation championship
PR-Backus 1 4 6
N.Y. Mills 13 12 1
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(6 innings)
WP: Rhiana Roberts. LP: Miah Hansen. 2B: PRB-Brandi McAllister; NYM-Sidney Imsande. Overall: PRB finishes 21-9.
