Towanda softball falls to Bloomsburg.
By: Brian Fees | Towanda Daily Review | May 24, 2018
2018 NTL and District 4 News
WYSOX — It was a pitchers duel between Towanda's Gabby Slater and Kendra Loff of Bloomsburg.
Inning after inning the two dominated on the mound, keeping the opposing lineup off-balance.
For seven innings, no one could take control of the game.
In the eighth, Bloomsburg got just enough offense going to pick up a 3-1 win and end the Black Knights' season in the District 4 playoffs.
"The girls put themselves in a lot of good positions to score runs, but we just couldn't seem to get that one hit to get that second run, or third run across," Towanda coach Stan Siberski said. " Especially in the seventh inning, that one hurt. Bases loaded and one out at the time. Give credit to Bloomsburg, they didn't choke, they didn't get in that position and lose it. We were in the same position for a couple innings and we kept it together. Sometimes it just doesn't bounce your way."
In the eighth Bloomsburg took a lead-off single by Ashley Rostucher and she got to second and then Madison Trivelpiece crushed a ball to the fence for a long season that gave Bloomsburg the lead. Bloomsburg loaded the bases with no outs, but it appeared Towanda might get out of the jam, before Bloomsburg got a two-out run to make it 3-1.
Towanda led 1-0 in the third inning after Madi Doss singled and a two-base error put her on third and Justine Vargason delivered a two-out, RBI single.
Hull doubled to lead off the fifth inning and scored on a sacrifice fly to tie the game.
Both teams had some chances to take the lead.
In the sixth inning Gabby Larcom had a two-out double, but was stranded.
In the seventh inning Vanessa Vanderpool opened with a single and Teagan Willey drew a walk. With one out Hannah Chandler reached on a fielder's choice loading the bases with one out, but Bloomsburg got out of the jam.
Bloomsburg had two runners on in the fourth and had runners on second and third with no outs in the sixth, but both times Towanda got out of the inning.
Gabby Slater struck out eight for Towanda and allowed nine hits in the game.
"When you have the caliber pitcher (of Slater) on the mound, you are never out of the game," Siberski said. "I'm sorry for her we couldn't get those runs across."
For Towanda they were a little shorthanded, including missing their leading hitter, and starting catcher, Cearra McLinko.
"McLinko was our number one batter all year," Siberski said. "She had the best bat all year so there's all those hits out of the lineup. Big shout out to Justine (Vargason), she did a great job. Catching for Gabby Slater you've got to know what you are doing because Gabby's ball moved. I caught for her in practice one time and I'm glad I don't have to catch for her every day.
"Our second baseman was over to shortstop, our third baseman was hurt so we had to fill in there. But, everyone stepped up. All the girls stepped up, they did really, really good. They asked a lot of questions, what can I do. It's really a pleasure to coach this team."
Doss had a hit for Towanda and scored their run and Vargason had a hit and had the RBI. Larcom had a 3-for-4 day with a double and Slater had a hit. Vanderpool had two hits.
For Siberski it's tough saying goodbye to the seniors on the team.
"It's really tough, they've been here for the three years I've been here and it's really tough," Siberski said. "I can't talk about it, that's how tough it is."
For the younger girls on the team the experience of going to districts is something Siberski thinks can help down the road.
"Seeing what it's all about and knowing what it takes to get here and they know what it's going to take to get here again," Siberski said.
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