Hahnville came within an eyelash of winning its second consecutive state championship Saturday night, but in the end settled for state runner-up honors as the Tigers were upended in the Class 5A championship game by Sam Houston, 2-1 in a nine-inning thriller.

HHS defeated St. Amant, 10-2, in the state semifinal earlier in the day to advance.

The Tigers finished their season 31-3. They’ve played in the state championship game in each of the last three seasons.

Riverside’s season came to an end in a similarly exciting game, as eventual state champion John Curtis took a 4-3 decision in the Class 2A semifinals.

Rachel Brockhaus’ two-RBI single in the sixth inning made for the tying and winning runs. 

The Rebels trailed 2-0 early but took a 3-2 lead on a bases-loaded, three RBI double by Destin Vicknair. 

For full coverage on Riverside, Hahnville and St. Charles’ state softball tournament play, check out Wednesday’s edition of L’Observateur. 

QUARTERFINALS

Riverside and Hahnville each advanced to the final day of the softball season with victories Friday, winning quarterfinal matchups over Iota and East Ascension respectively. 

St. Charles season came to an end in the quarterfinals, a rally coming up short in a 7-4 loss to Brusly. 

The Rebels captured a 5-0 win and will advance to face district foe John Curtis in Saturday’s Class 2A state semifinal game at Frasch Park in Sulphur. 

After a 6-3 win over EA, Hahnville will battle former district foe St. Amant, the third straight round the Tigers will have faced a former district foe – HHS defeated Dutchtown and East Ascension in the last two rounds. The teams were district foes until realignment for this past season.