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Whetstone leads Wapak past Tribe |
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Monday, 12 May 2008 |
By PHIL McLEAN
Staff Writer
LIMA — The Wapakoneta varsity softball team entered Saturday’s Division II Bath sectional tournament looking to advance to the second round for the first time since 2005, when the Redskins defeated Lima Senior by a score of 11-1.
Wapakoneta’s tournament losing streak came to an end this year, though, as another Lima area team fell victim to the Wapakoneta after a prolonged pitching dual.
Through nine innings Wapakoneta and Shawnee battled for the win and after each inning, neither team appeared to be any closer to success. But there was a big difference in attitude. Shawnee was playing not to lose, while Wapakoneta was playing to have fun and let the chips fall where they may. The result was a 2-0 Redskin tournament victory.
The 10th inning was the key.
Leadoff batter Christy Steinke, who had a single in the fifth inning, but was thrown out trying to steal second, reached base in the 10th on an error. She went to second on an infield hit by Sandra Springer.
With one out, Jordan Sawmiller laid down a bunt that was fielded by Shawnee pitcher Chelsea Lingenfelter. The senior misjudged her throw to first and the ball dropped in foul territory along the right-field line, allowing Steinke to put the first run on the board. Springer made it to third on the error.
Ashleigh Schroeder then came through as she got her second hit of the game, an RBI single that scored Springer.
The Wapakoneta defense, which has come through time-after-time this season, retired the side in order in the home 10th, and the Redskins celebrated.
“It just shows you the character of our team,” Wapakoneta varsity coach Bill Sammons said. “This is one of the biggest wins in our history. This is great.”
Emily Whetstone got the complete-game win, striking out eight, allowing only five hits (all singles), and giving up no walks. There were no Wapakoneta charged errors in the game.
“The girls knew they had no pressure on them,” Sammons said. “I know that my girls left it all on the field.”
Sammons said the team has talked about making memories all year.
“We made a great memory today,” he said.
On the other side of the field the mood was more somber.
“This is the first shutout we have had all year,” Shawnee varsity coach Lou Seddelmeyer said. With the loss, the Indians fell to 14-6 and were eliminated from the tournament.
Also eliminated Saturday was the St. Marys Roughriders, who lost 4-2 to Elida. Elida came in with a 7-12 record, but took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. St. Marys was knocked out with an 11-5 season record. Elida moves on to face the tournament’s No. 2 seed Bath at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Wapakoneta will be back in action this evening when the Redskins return ot Bath to face the tourney’s No. 1 seed, the Celina Bulldogs at 5 p.m. Celina defeated Wapakoneta 4-0 in regular season play almost a month ago.
WHS 000 000 000 2 – 2-4-0
SHS 000 000 000 0 – 0-5-2 |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 May 2008 )
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