The Alliance FNBO Spartans Seniors have exercised their strength so far this season, claiming the championship title in the Clair Conley Tournament in Alliance.
The team started their season with a doubleheader loss against North Platte on Thursday evening. In the first game, North Platte claimed a victory with a final score of 3-2. North Platte kept the momentum going, winning against the Spartans in the second game with a final score of 10-4.
The Spartans were quick to rebound on Friday morning at the start of the Clair Conley tournament as they shutout Bridgeport with a final score of 9-0. In Friday’s final, Alliance took on Chadron, shutting them out with a final score of 12-0.
On Saturday, the Spartans took on Sidney, handing them a 10-4 defeat as the Spartans advanced to take on Buckley in the championship match. This is the third year Alliance has faced Buckley for the championship title. In 2018, Buckley claimed the title, but the Spartans came back in 2019 and claimed the title.
In the match-up, the Buckley Bombers were able to snag the lead with two runs in the first inning and another in the second, giving them a 3-0 lead. The Spartans responded with a banner third inning, chalking up five runs. They kept the momentum going and added two runs in the fifth inning as the Bombers were unable to contain the Spartans.
Buckley tried to make a comeback, posting two runs in the sixth inning, but falling short of the victory. The Spartans claimed the championship title for the second year in a row.
Following a busy weekend, the Spartans found no quarter as they moved on for a double header against the Rocky Mountain Lobos on Monday morning. In the first game, the Spartans were outpaced by Rocky Mountain as they gained a 6-2 lead over the Spartans. In the fourth inning, the Spartans rallied, scoring two more runs, and reducing the Lobos’ lead. At the top of the sixth inning, Rocky Mountain added another run. The Spartans attempted to overcome their lead, but came up short, giving the victory to the Lobos with a final score of 7-6.
In game two, the Spartans were hungry for victory over the Lobos. Rocky Mountain took an early 2-0 lead, but in the bottom of the second inning, the Spartans were able to post two runs to tie up the game. Rocky Mountain responded with another run in the third inning, but the Spartans would not rest, taking back the lead with two runs. Both teams remained scoreless in the last four innings, giving the Spartans the 4-3 victory over the Lobos in the second game.
Spartans Seniors Head Coach Carlos Palomo said he is pleased with where the team is at so far this season, given the circumstances.
“Things are back to normal, but the situation we’re in with the corona deal, we didn’t get to have many days to prepare as normal,” said Palomo. “Every team in the state is in that same situation, so I expected us to be rusty, which we were that opening day. North Platte has a pretty solid program. They are great competition for us, and we came up short. We definitely had our chances to win, but we struggled throwing strikes and teams like that, you’ve got to be consistent in doing that.
“I’m proud of the way the boys responded after that when we played in the Clair Conley,” Palomo said. “We went on a run there and ended up winning it in the championship versus Buckley. They have a pretty solid program, and it was very competitive. I was proud of the way the boys competed and responded.”
Palomo said facing off against Rocky Mountain provided the Spartans with good experience as they progress through the season. He said the team has its strengths, but there are also areas for improvement.
“We need to manufacture runs a little bit better,” said Palomo. “Lately, it seems like we haven’t had much timely hitting. Pitchers have struggled throwing strikes a little bit. Just being consistent both in pitching and defense. It’ll come. It’s early in the season, so we’ll figure it out.”
The Spartans will see action in Gering on Wednesday before they travel to a tournament in Gillette, Wyo., which begins on Thursday and runs through Sunday. Palomo said he is grateful for the ability for the team to play.
“We’re currently 5-3, and I’m very pleased with where we’re at,” Palomo said. “There’s a lot of learning moments as we continue to grow and get in shape. I’m very pleased with the way the kids have responded competitively. We’re right there. It’s been a grind since the start of the summer. There’s some things you can’t control, but it’s an honor and a blessing to be able to take the field.”