CV tops NEB to reach first D4 final since 2003.
By: Brian Fees | Towanda Daily Review | May 27, 2015 | Photo courtesy Brian Fees
2015 NTL and District 4 News
TURBOTVILLE - Holding onto a one-run lead in the seventh inning the Cowanesque Valley defense came up huge to get them to their first district final since 2003.
The Indians threw a runner out at second, then got a diving catch at short to clinch a 2-1 win over Northeast Bradford in the District 4, Class A playoffs.
With one out Northeast Bradford's Maddy Johnson, one of the fastest runners in the district, looked to steal second, but a great throw by catcher Jessi Prutsman to Becky Plummer, who held the tag as Johnson's foot was called off the base, got the out.
"It shocked me," Plummer said. "I didn't know we had her, but you've got to keep the tag."
With two outs the Panthers' Gabby Slater hit a line shot to short, but Plummer made a diving catch for the final out.
"I thought you've got to catch the ball," Plummer said. "I knew I caught it, that's why I jumped up pretty fast."
Maddy Hatch was strong on the mound for the Indians, throwing a three-hitter, striking out two in the game.
"I felt pretty good," Hatch said. "I was getting tired at the end because it was hot, but I felt pretty good."
Hatch was happy to have her defense turn in a dominant game behind her, and loved when they threw out Johnson in the seventh.
"It was awesome, it was amazing, I jumped for joy," she said. "The defense was awesome."
The first time the two teams met this year the Panthers won 21-4. The next time it was a two-run game and on Tuesday it was the Indians getting the win.
"We were ready for them," Plummer said. "The first time, not so much, but after that we were coming."
Cowanesque Valley coach Karl Schauer knew that this team was capable of big things, but after losing five players to graduation after last year it took them some time.
"This is great for our program," he said. "We had a great group of girls the last few years. Last year we won the league and just bellied up in the first round of districts. This year I was telling the girls I believe we have as talented a bunch through and through as we've ever had. I lost five seniors, and that was leadership and it's taken these girls this whole season. The first time we lost to Northeast Bradford like 24-2 (21-4) or something like that. It's taken the whole season for this group of girls to mesh. Now they are just clicking on all cylinders."
For the CV players getting a win over the Panthers made things even more special.
"It was really big," Hatch said. "Especially because it was Northeast Bradford."
The Panthers got on the board first as Johnson singled and scored in the first inning.
From there the Indians held the Panthers scoreless and Jessi Prutsman had a double and scored in the fifth and Julia Draper also scored in the fifth for the Indians.
"It's like the first time we ever responded like that," Plummer said.
Kayla Schauer had a hit for CV and Prutsman had a double and a run scored. Madison Lee had a hit and Draper had a hit and a run scored.
Johnson had two hits and scored a run for NEB and Danielle Moore had a hit for the Panthers.
Gabby Slater struck out six and tossed a three-hitter for the Panthers.
What Schauer is most happy about is the way the team responded in close games this postseason, beating both Muncy and Northeast Bradford 2-1.
"That's what I'm so proud of," he said. "These girls, they have come together as a team and they support each other."
The Indians will take on Bloomsburg, who no-hit Benton 9-0 on Tuesday, in the final at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at Turbotville.
About the Author |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|
||
