Lafayette went into the Final Four winning 11 of their last 12. The Irish won their first district championship since 2002, and first state playoff game ever with a sectional win over Smithville.
After defeating Harrisonville in the Quarterfinal Game in St. Joseph, Lafayette earned their first Final Four appearance in school history. In the state semi-final game, Lafayette stayed close to Notre Dame of Cape Girardeau before falling 10-3. With a chance for third, Lafayette played later that night against Jefferson City Helias.
The Irish went ahead on three separate occasions with Helias answering each time, including in the seventh. In the eighth, the Irish scored five runs and retired Helias batters 1-2-3 for the win. Lafayette was led by leading hitters Jacee Winn, Maddy Dollar, and Baylee Hoffman with a solid pitching performance by Jordan Hockaday.
“I’m so proud of our team,” said Jeff Leake, Lafayette Softball Coach. “This has been an excellent year with everyone playing an important part in our run, It’s exciting to make it to the Final Four.”