Neligh Looks To Refocus But Hasn't Lost Sight Of Championship

The Neligh Seniors still have their sights set on a district championship, despite a round start to the post-season.

As the No. 2 seed, Neligh was expected to dominated No. 3 Hooper-Scribner but instead never scored a run, falling 9-0 in five innings at the four-team Class C Area 2 District Tournament in Wisner.

“I told them to forget about it and move forward. Let’s focus on the win and get back in the championship,” said coach Dan Murray. “That’s all you can do. Focus on the next game, take care of business and be ready to go like it is your last game. It’s win or go home time now.”

Errors plague Neligh as Hooper-Scribner managed just two hits in the game. Uncharacteristically sloppy, Neligh bobbled the baseball time and again, allowing easy runs to score.

The Seniors also struggled on the mound as Murray brought in four pitchers in the first two innings as the Hooper-Scribner went up 7-0 after two.

“Basically, we have to show up with fire from the beginning and play,” Murray said. “We had a few spots in there where we showed a little spark. On the mound, Conor did good job and had a couple good innings in there, but we have to show up ready from the start and get after it.”

Despite having Ramold, Jayden Arehart, Cole Belitz and Brock Kester all on the mound Friday, Murray said his pitching rotation won’t change.

“This doesn’t change anything. We have a pitching scheule here through Monday,” he said. “We did figure playing Sunday just in case, so this doesn’t change how we’re going to play from here on out.”

With the loss Neligh, falls into the loser’s bracket and will play at 8 p.m. on Saturday night. Neligh will need a win again on Sunday at 7 p.m. to secure a spot in Monday’s 6 p.m. district final. The winner of that game advances to the state tournament.

“If we show up, we’ll be fine and be right back in the championship on Monday,” Murray said. “We just have to show up ready to play.”

Neligh 000 00 — 0
Hooper-Scribner 160 20 — 9
WP: Austin Peters.