It took some time, but Thorsby senior Taylor McManus’ first home run proved to be worth the wait.

The first home run came in walk-off fashion, as the Rebels defeated Fayetteville 6-4 in extra innings on April 19 and with just two home games left to play in her high school career.

“It couldn’t have happened at a better time, because I knew I was running out of time,” McManus said.

According to McManus, two at-bats prior she almost hit it out but instead came up just short of carrying over the outfield fence.

With the game tied 4-all heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, McManus stepped to the plate with a runner on first base and one out.

McManus connected on the first pitch she saw, which had enough momentum to clear the fence and secure a dramatic win for Thorsby.

“It’s crazy because I never swing at the first pitch,” McManus said. “I knew it was out once I rounded first base and coach had about a 6-foot vertical leap.”

She has been a starting pitcher on the varsity squad since the seventh grade and proven to be a valuable member of the team throughout the years.

“Everybody in the stands was in tears,” McManus said. “They wanted it just as much as I did.”