Just short

They had more hits, fewer errors and even a clutch two-run bomb in the final inning.

But the No. 5-seeded Port Washington High School softball team couldn’t squeeze out a final run in a 7-6 heartbreaking playoff loss at No. 4 Plymouth in a Division 2 playoff opener on May 27.

Power-hitting catcher Hope Gilhooly blasted her 11th home run of the season — fourth in the state — in the top of the seventh, a two-run shot to left field. 

The Pirates scored three runs in the inning, ending the game on a pop out with runners on base.

“I felt like we had good energy and kept positive attitude the whole game, even when we were down,” Gilhooly said.

“I was very proud of everyone on our team and was very happy with how my senior year went.”

Senior pitcher Sierra Miller said the team didn’t reach its high expectations this season, but she still enjoyed it.

“Overall, it was a good season. It was really fun. I’ll miss this team.”

Gilhooly had two hits, including her homer, two RBIs and scored a run. Miller had two hits, including a triple, and scored twice. Junior Shelby Cash had a hit, walk and an RBI.

Libby Bates, Savanna Miller, Taylyn Steinert and Maile Thompson each had a hit. Miller, Steinert and Thompson each scored a run.

Miller allowed eight hits, seven runs (three earned) and two walks while whiffing three in five innings. Freshman Kaden Stasik pitched a scoreless inning and struck out one.

Port had nine hits to the Panthers’ eight. The Pirates didn’t commit an error, and Plymouth made two.

The Pirates took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and the Panthers answered with three right away. Port tied it up in the fourth, and the Panthers blew the game open with four runs in the fifth to take a 7-3 lead.

Both Gilhooly and Sierra Miller will play in college. Gilhooly will attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Miller will attend UW-Whitewater. Both will also play on the same club team this summer.

The Pirates finished 11-11 overall. They were 9-8 in the North Shore Conference, fifth of 10 teams.