Kutztown falls to Delone Catholic in district championship game
The Kutztown Area High School girls softball team made it all the way to the championship game of the District 3-AA Tournament. But with a district title within smelling distance, the Lady Cougars fell just short, losing to Delone Catholic in the championship game on May 28, 10-3,
The Squirettes were the number one seed heading into the tournament, but this was their first district title since 1999.
“Second in the district is still a great accomplishment,’ said Kutztown head coach Kevin Conrad, “It means we’re still able to head into the state tournament and not many teams have that opportunity. That’s the goal we set from the beginning – to be playing in June and head to states and we will be preparing for the extended seaaon. As coaches we are thrilled that our underclassmen are experiencing this because it will only make them want it more each year.’
The Lady Cougars jumped out to a 2-0 lead with two runs in the top of the first. Delone Catholic wasted no time coming back, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first, then added three more in the third to take an 8-2 lead.
“We know we are able to come back from a deficit and win, but we just gave up too many unearned runs defensively,’ said Conrad. ” It was a tough loss but we start over again on Monday and you can always learn and take away things to improve on from a loss.’
Maria Meigio had two hits for Kutztown, with one RBI and a run scored. Courtney Stump added a double, one RBI and one run scored.
The season is not over for the Lady Cougars. They played in the first round of the state tournament on June 2. Due to our press deadline, we are unable to report the result of the contest. What will the key be to going far into the state tourament?
“We need to continue with our team concept and continue working hard at practices,’ said Conrad. “They know they can have success on the state level and are very excited to be given the chance to prove it. They are well aware only a select few teams get to compete in the state tournament and are eager to play on that level.’
The Lady Cougars advanced to the championship game by defeating Brandywine Heights on May 26, 6-5 in the district semifinals. Kutztown scored three runs in the bottom of the first and one more in the second to take a 4-0 lead. The Bullets came back with two runs in the top of the third to cut the lead in half, but Kutztown responed with two more runs in the fourth to take a 6-2 lead. Brandywine made it interesting with three runs in the top of the fifth, but could not make it all the way back.
The Lady Cougars had eight hits in the game, including two from Maria Meigio, who scored a run and knocked in one. Rachel Fegely had two hits and drove in two runs while Ashley Donat added a triple and two runs scored.
Jenna Grim was the winning pitcher, allowing three runs on one hit and five walks in four innings of work. Courtney Stump pitched the final three innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks.
The Lady Cougars began the district tournament on May 21 with an 11-1 victory over Lancaster Mennonite. Kutztown took a quick lead with two runs in the bottom of the first. They added two more in the third and one in the fourth before exploding for six in the fifth to end the game due to the mercy rule.
Parks led the Kutztown offense with two hits, three RBIs and one run scored. Grim had two hits and two runs scored while Courtney Stump had two hits and one run scored. Savidge chipped in with a double and three RBIs. Donat also had two hits, two runs scored and one RBI.
Grim was the winning pitcher. She allowed one unearned run on four hits and two walks while fanning six.
