Softball: Eastern Tech's State Title Dreams Ends in Extra Innings

dream for its first softball state title died Tuesday night when it lost a hard fought 4-3 game in eight innings to Linganore in the Class 3A state semifinals at Bachman Park in Glen Burnie.

Lancer pitcher Teri Brown held the Mavericks in check for six innings as Linganor built a 3-0 lead.

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But, with two-outs in the top of the seventh, Mavericks leadoff hitter Alexis Peay hit a single, starting the Tech rally. Three batters later, with the bases loaded, Laura Thacker tied the game with a three-run double.

“That was the best feeling of my life,” Thacker said. “I have never felt anything like it before it was just incredible. My heart was beating so fast it was a lot of pressure, but I came through.”

The emotional game took an unfortunate turn for the Mavericks in the bottom of the eighth inning when an Eastern Tech outfielder misplayed a routine fly ball with two-outs allowing the ball to drop and Linganore's winning run to score from third.

The Mavericks finish the season with a 23-3 record, which includes winning the and

Eastern Tech coach Jack Meyers credits his seniors with leading the Mavericks team to those championships.

“This senior class has been with me from the start,” Meyers said. “They are probably the best group I've ever coached.”

Sophomore pitcher Jordan Cargile said she will miss the calming presence of departing senior catcher Ashley Sauerwein, who has mentored Cargile through two very successful seasons.

“Ashley has been my best friend these last two years,” Cargile said. “She talks me through innings and calms me down when I need it. I'm going to miss her so much next year.”

The Mavericks will also lose senior Allison Williams, who led the team in hitting.

“She is a terrific defensive second baseman,” Meyers said. “Whenever we needed a big hit during the year she came through for us.”

Meyers also credits senior Peay with starting off many of what he calls "Eastern Tech innings."

“Every game we have an Eastern Tech inning where we seem to score six or seven runs,” Meyers said. “And most of those innings start with Alexis. She is the fastest most athletic kid I've ever coached.”

Although the team is losing several key starters, the future looks bright for the Mavericks who still have ace pitcher Cargile for two more years as well as a deep class of underclassman, that includes five freshmen who were on the roster this season.