Sentinel photo by BOB HOCKENBROCK Juniata shortstop Sophie Smith shuffles the softball to second baseman Ava Lauver for the forceout at second.

MIFFLINTOWN — East Juniata answered the call in their season finale against Juniata with a 7-4 victory in Monday’s softball action.

EJ got two hits and two RBIs from Madison Snyder. Ryley Dressler added an RBI single. Marley Wilson had two RBI singles.

“We struggled throughout the season, but the way we played today, we could have played a few more games that way. I know we had it in us and we just didn’t do it, but the way we played today really wrapped up how our season should have been throughout the season. I’m not going to reflect on the other games. I’m just going to say I’m glad we finished on a positive note, especially for our four seniors, they deserve to walk out with a good win like this,” EJ head coach Wes Diehl explained.

Snyder thought her EJ teammates stepped up in the rivalry game.

“I think the team did really well. We were consistent all game long, our bats were on fire, we were very energetic in the dugout and that’s what wins the games overall. I’m glad we were consistent and won it for the seniors. We’re going to have a younger team next year so I hope we have another good game further down the road,” Snyder added.

Juniata’s Regan Lowrey went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, two stolen bases and one RBI for the Lady Lions. Ashley Piper had a 2-for-2 day with a run. Tori Moore was 1-for-3 with one run, two swiped bases and one RBI. Pitcher Addie Rutherford took the loss from the circle.

Diehl discussed the difference between the first matchup with the Indians and Monday’s showdown.

“We had no errors this game, our defensie stepped up, Maddie pitched a great game for us, from the first pitch to the last pitch. The at-bats stepped up, we had runners on base and we got the hits when we needed to get the hits and that’s what wins games. Good defense and getting the runners in, that’s what wins the games for us,” Diehl noted.

Juniata will flip the page and focus on a district title game against Bellefonte today. The Indians do have playoff experience to rely on.

“We have all been there before, they have seen really good teams in the postseason before. So, they have a little bit of experience, for the seniors this is three years in a row in a district final. They aren’t going to be too hyped up but I don’t think the pressure is going to get to them. I think hopefully they use their past experiences to kind of help them mentally prepare for the game,” Juniata head coach Craig Bubb explained.

The Indians have had trials and tribulations all season, each making the team stronger and better prepared for the district game.

“I think we have grown because we have been able to utilize some of the younger players and get them some quality at-bats, quality innings in the field. Losing six seniors, those younger kids are going to be next year’s starters, the more experience we are able to give them this year, some of the positions we started using the younger players just to get some quality varsity innings so that they are more prepared and we aren’t just throwing them to the wolves next year,” Bubb added.

While Juniata focuses on the district game, East Juniata has begun to think about the offseason preparation.

“We’re already planning stuff for the offseason. A lot of these girls play winter sports too so it’s going to be tough but our biggest challenge a lot of times is the beginning of the season. When it starts we can’t get outside right away because of the weather and the field conditions, we are usually stuck in the gym,” Diehl said.

“I’ve already talked to our trainer and instead of five days in the gym in a week, we are going to do maybe two days in the gym and three days in the weight room, or running the halls or just doing something other than being stuck in the gym. I’ve got 10 girls returning, so we’re going to make some changes for next year. We aren’t going to change how we do things, just how we prepare.”

East Juniata has officially ended their season with a 4-13 overall record. Juniata (5-12) plays Bellefonte (14-2) at 4:30 p.m. today for the District 6 Class 4A Championship at Bellefonte Middle School.