WINDSOR—The Windsor High School girls’ softball team lost an 11-inning heartbreaker on Tuesday, ending its bid for the state tournament.

The Lady Dukes lost 7-3 to Essex High School, eliminating themselves from the regional playoffs after their first game.

“It could’ve gone either way,” said Windsor Coach Judy Cahalen. “We’re disappointed, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

The Lady Dukes led 3-1, but Essex tied it up in the fourth. The game was deadlocked until the 11th inning when Essex scored four runs on several base hits. Windsor was unable to respond during its last at-bats.

Windasor’s Tiffany Rapp pitched the entire game, striking out 15 batters and giving up 9 hits. Teammate Chelsea Cahalen caught the entire game, and had only one passed ball.

“She and Tiffany are like best friends,” said Judy Cahalen, who is Chelsea’s mom. “Honestly, they work very good together.”

Windsor second baseman Lauren Aaronington had an exceptional game, Judy Cahalen said.

“She was great on offense and defense and made a double play at a critical time.”

Valarie Rapp, who is Tiffany Rapp’s twin sister, made a diving catch with two girls on base to get the Dukes out of the inning. The catch kept Windsor in the game.

Teammate Taylor Gay had a base hit in the fourth inning, knocking in two runners.

The Lady Dukes advanced to the regional playoffs after defeating Sussex 11-0 in five innings and winning the Tri-River District Title.

Tiffany Rapp was named the Tri-Rivers District’s Pitcher of Year for the district.

Other Lady Dukes recognized by the district were Valarie Rapp as Player of the Year and Judy Cahalen as Coach of the Year.

Named to the First Team All-District were the Rapps, Taylor Gay, Chelsea Cahalen, Brittany Oliver and Brittany Stephens.

Named to the All-Academic Team were both Rapps, Gay, Olive and Stephens.