The Webb City softball team’s season came to a heartbreaking, nine-inning prolonged conclusion Thursday at Rolla.

Webb City took a 4-3 lead in the third inning, trailed 7-6 in the fourth inning and tied it at 7-7 in the sixth inning. After the scoreless seventh and eighth innings, Rolla scored three runs in the ninth, but Webb City only managed to answer with two runs.

Peyton Hawkins homered in the third and fourth innings. Emma Welch also had a home run in the third, and Emalee Lamar hit one out in the ninth. Hawkins recorded three hits. Getting two hits each were Hannah Wells, Kaylyn Gilbert, Morgan Brannon, Lamar, Lauren Hicks and Dawsyn Decker.

Freshman pitcher Laney Taylor went the distance for Webb City, allowing 16 hits and striking out 7.

Despite the disappointing loss, coach Shauna Friend says, “We had a great season filled with great plays, great hits, and great memories with this group.”

That group, with seniors at every position besides pitcher, finished 17-13 overall and fifth in the Central Ozark Conference. The obvious highlight was the upset win for the Class 4 District 6 championship.

Friend says the seniors, who made it to the state semifinals as juniors last year, “have set the bar high for future teams with their work ethic and determination. They have been great role models and will be missed by their teammates and coaches.”