Shorecrest’s exhilarating run through the postseason came to an end Monday with an 8-5 loss to host West Palm Beach King’s Academy in the Class 3A region final.
The Chargers (18-4) fell behind early and spent the rest of the game trying to rally.
“That was a really good team we played, and we kept it pretty close, ” Shorecrest coach Mike Galinski said. “They got on us quickly, and it was tough spending the rest of the game catching up.”
After scoring once in the top of the first inning, the Chargers watched their lead slip away. By the fifth inning the Lions led 6-1. Shorecrest rallied in the sixth with four runs. Kaylie Burkett, Sephie Cooper, Raquel Galinski and Molly Gilroy had hits in the inning.
But in the bottom of the sixth, King’s Academy scored two more runs to put away the game.
“The way we came back, I really thought we were going to pull this one out,” Mike Galinski said.
Although the outcome gave the Lions the opportunity to return to the state semifinals, the game is more likely to be remembered for ending Shorecrest’s unlikely journey. The Chargers set a school record for wins (18), won their first district title and advanced to the region final for the first time.
“Everyone is holding their heads up,” Galinski said. “We far exceeded expectations with what we were able to do this season. The girls have a lot to be proud of.”