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May 8, 2007
The Hesston College baseball team won two games against Brown Mackie College Friday, May 4, thus winning the Region VI playoffs 3 games to 1, and earning the right to compete in the Southwest District playoffs May 17-19 near Phoenix, Ariz.
After splitting a doubleheader Monday, April 30, at Brown Mackie (Salina, Kan.)--winning the first game 2-1, but losing the nightcap 6-5--the host Larks defeated the Lions 2-1 and 6-5 at Oswald Field last Friday. The Larks thus won the Region VI (Division II, National Junior College Athletic Association) playoffs against Brown Mackie for the second straight year.
Coach Art Mullet pointed out that all four games were close. "Both teams were fairly equally matched," he said. "But we executed a little bit better. When it came down to it, we played good defense, pitched pretty well, and didn't beat ourselves with mistakes.
"The guys are excited and pleased to make a second trip to Phoenix this season," Mullet said. The team spent spring break in Phoenix, competing against several teams. "I'm glad they have the opportunity."
The Larks (12-21) will compete in the Southwest District playoffs for the second straight year. They're among three teams hosted by Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College near Phoenix, the Arizona winner. The Oklahoma winner will be determined this weekend.
Mullet said the Larks will play the Oklahoma winner at 10 a.m., May 17, then take on the Scottsdale Artichokes at 4 p.m. If Hesston wins one or two games, they'll continue in the playoffs May 18 and possibly May 19.
"Our overall season didn't go as well as expected," Mullet said, "due to inclement weather and the low number of victories. However, we won most of our games down the stretch, taking 10 of 12 games, and helped build some momentum."
The winner of the Southwest District advances to the Division II NJCAA tourney that begins May 26 in Millington, Tenn.
Hesston College Baseball