CHERRY TWP — Chloe Eshenbaugh wasn’t ready for it to be over.

The Moniteau senior shortstop knocked down a sharp grounder, but the ball awkwardly slipped under her leg as she fell to the ground in the midst of a 10-run Curwensville rally during the District 9 Class AA semifinals.

In obvious pain, the trainer jogged onto the field, but Eshenbaugh insisted she was OK while hobbling in circles trying to walk it off.

She wasn’t going anywhere, especially with her team — and Moniteau career — facing a near-certain end.

“She limped through the last two innings,” said Moniteau coach Dan Beebe. “It looked like it was the last run. With her passion and her heart ... she didn’t want it to end with an injury and sitting on the bench.

“She definitely has a love for the game and it’s that kind of hustle and attitude and leadership that you can’t really coach.”

Although her Moniteau career is in the rear-view mirror, Eshenbaugh hopes there is more softball in her future. She is heading to Slippery Rock University in the fall to continue her academic career and hopes to extend her softball career, as well, by walking on to the SRU squad.

Eshenbaugh led the Warriors (16-5) with a .517 batting average and 29 runs scored. She tied for a team-high with four doubles and two triples and also tallied 24 RBIs.

“Seton Hill University was trying to get me to play there, but that didn’t end up working out so well,” said Eshenbaugh. “I loved Slippery Rock’s campus and it’s nice and close to home. It was best for me.

“I’m just going to go try out and see what happens.”

Eshenbaugh is a switch hitter with a wealth of experience. Although a shortstop for Moniteau, she plays outfield for her travel team.

“She’s been playing probably between 80 to 100 games for the last four to five years,” said Beebe. “She knows the game. She’s around the game and she’s been playing the game.

“She’s very versatile. She’s kind of a jack of all trades,” he added. “There’s many options to have with her.”

Eshenbaugh started playing baseball when she was “4 or 5” and picked up softball when she was 10 years old.

She’s been hooked ever since.

“I just love the game. I love everything about it,” she said. “I like making friends and it’s a nice time to just relax and get everything off my mind.”

Beebe called Eshenbaugh a “leader by example” during her career with the Warriors and said she always carried a positive attitude.

“It’s just natural and I think that’s the kind of stuff Slippery Rock will notice and fall in love with her just like our coaching staff did,” Beebe elaborated.

Eshenbaugh — a four-time all-KSAC infielder — understands there are no guarantees, though.

She hopes to be a contributor at SRU, but admitted it’s “up in the air” if she’ll be able to claim a roster spot.

Regardless of the future, Eshenbaugh will always have a place in her heart for Moniteau.

“I already miss it and I’ve been done what, a couple weeks? It was just amazing,” she explained. “I hope Moniteau continues having a good program and don’t want anyone to take it for granted because they’ll miss it. I’m going to go back to watch as many games as I can.”