BENZONIA — They may not have won, but there still was plenty of reason for pride.

The Gaylord softball team pushed Cadillac to the brink in Saturday’s district championship at Benzie Central, but the Vikings’ lone run in the second inning proved the difference in a 1-0 thriller.

“It was one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of while coaching,” said Gaylord coach Daron Shimel. “It was awesome. Our girls came to play — they were focused and ready.”

The game featured a pitcher’s dual between Cadillac junior Rianna Weisse and Gaylord freshman Liz Bauman — both of whom gave up just four baserunners.

Bauman was splendid for the Blue Devils, giving up four hits while striking out 10.

The Blue Devils had runners in scoring position on multiple occasions, but couldn’t come up with the clutch hit. One of their best chances came in the seventh, when Tiffany Yarrington reached base with a one-out double.

“We didn’t string our hits together,” Shimel said. “But I was very proud to be their coach. They were impressive and played very well.”

The Blue Devils advanced to the championship with a convincing 8-1 victory against Benzie Central.

Bauman started and went five innings, giving up just three hits and one walk while striking out seven. Yarrington pitched the final two innings, giving up no hits and striking out five.

Brandy Williams had two hits for Gaylord, while Danielle Powers, Sarah Salyer, Megan Scott, Gail Hildebrant, Bauman and Yarrington each had one.

The Blue Devils graduate six seniors — Katelynn Campbell, Ashley James, Sam Huff, Barb Counsil, Melissa Spreeman and Yarrington — but return a strong nucleus for upcoming seasons.

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