The Class 3A regional championship game at Andrean’s home field turned into a roller‑coaster for New Prairie’s senior pitcher Sully Kress. After a tightly contested first five innings, the Cougars clung to a 4‑3 advantage heading into the bottom of the sixth.
Kress, who had thrown 114 pitches, struggled to locate his fastball, issuing three walks that loaded the bases. The fatigue was evident, and Andrean seized the moment, loading the bases before a timely hit changed the momentum.
The Turning Point
Luke Goben of Andrean delivered a clutch double that cleared the bases, plating three runs and flipping the score to a 6‑4 lead. The rally continued as additional runs trickled in, pushing the final tally to 9‑6.
New Prairie’s coach Mark Schellinger praised Kress’s effort despite the loss, noting that the pitcher’s dedication embodied the team’s spirit. Kress himself said he was more saddened by the end of a season that had exceeded expectations than by the defeat itself.
The loss marked the end of New Prairie’s campaign, shutting the door on a chance to advance to semi‑state play. Yet Kress expressed pride in his teammates’ accomplishments and the memorable run they had shared.