NORTH MANKATO — The Hayfield softball team was on the verge of knocking off the defending champs, when things went south in the final frame of the game. Top-seeded New York Mills put together a big rally when it needed it most as it scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat Hayfield 6-5 in the Minnesota Class A State Softball Quarterfinals in Caswell Park Thursday.

Anna Carlson delivered the game-winning hit for the Eagles (25-1 overall) when she blooped a single into shallow right-center field to score a pair of runs and end the game with one out. NYM had six of its 10 hits in the seventh inning with its back to the wall.

“We wanted it so bad and we played phenomenal,” said Hayfield senior Kyal Heydt. “I think that was our best game of the year. It sucks that we lost.”

Heydt was three-for-four with a double in two RBIs in the loss. She singled in an insurance run to put Hayfield up 5-2 in the top of the seventh for the Vikings, but it wasn’t enough.

“We just attacked right away and we hit off their pitcher perfectly,” Heydt said. “Our defense was solid and I think it helped for us to come out hitting right away. This shows that we can play with the number one team in the state. There’s nothing to hang our heads about.”

Hayfield junior Jaelyn Therring gave the Vikings a 4-0 lead when she blasted a two-run homer to left field in the top of the second inning. Therring, who has emerged as a big hitter for the Vikings this spring, was thrilled to hit a homer at the state tournament.

“As soon as I swung that bat, I knew I would be at least very close to the ball getting over the fence. It was an amazing feeling to see my whole team waiting at home plate,” Therring said. “Over the offseason I watched videos on hitting on being patient after being a little too aggressive my sophomore year and I’ve waited for the ball to travel to me. I’ve moved up from the seven hitting spot to the five.”

Hayfield has 10 seniors who helped get the team to four straight state tournaments, and it’s tough for them to end their high school careers without a state title.

“We played a great game,” Therring said. “I wish we could’ve come out with the win, but we showed we can play with the top team.”

Hayfield had its season officially come to an end when it lost its consolation game to Carlton 2-1.

The Vikings pulled to within 2-1 when Carrie Rutledge and he knocked in a run in the fifth inning, but that was all the damage they could do.

Hayfield 1 1 2  0 0 0  1  —  5   9   1

NYM 0 0 0  0 2 0  4  —  6  10  0

Hayfield pitching: Caitlyn Hendrickson (L) 6 1/3 IP, 10 H, 2 BB, 6 ER, 3 K

Hayfield hitting: Carrie Rutledge, 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB, BB; Jenna Jacobsen, 1-for-3, BB; Kyal Heydt, 3-for-4, double, 2 RBIs, R; Kate Kruger, 0-for-3, BB; Jaelynn Therring, 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBIs; Olivia Matti, 1-for-3; Maggie Streightiff, 1-for-3, double, RBI; Kelly Johnson, 0-for-3; Kelly Johnson, 0-for-3; Lexi Dudycha, 0-for-2; Jacie Gustine, 0-for-1