The Herkimer 16 and under softball team had its season come to end on Wednesday with a semi-final loss to two-seeded Utica Williams.
Herkimer, the six seed, jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first inning but couldn’t keep it together and lost 14-8.
In the top of the first, Sarah Kinney led off with a hit and then the next two batters were retired. Shauna Mills doubled and drove in Kinney. After five consecutive batters reached base, including four straight hits, six more runs were scored.
Utica got four runs back in the bottom of the first and then two more in the bottom of the second off Herkimer starter Sarah Mezler. Mezler was then taken out due to a sore shoulder.
Jackie Orcutt entered the game and pitched two and one-third innings, giving up six runs in the bottom of the sixth, giving Utica a 12-7 lead. She took the loss. Erica Plumley pitched one and two-third innings and gave up two runs.
Herkimer’s last run came in the fourth inning when Katherine Dolly led off with a triple and she came home on a Rachel Wasleski RBI single.
Coach Dan Staltierie said he was happy with the season and the beat some good competition. The team will continue to play in the 18 and under league in Ilion.