Hanover silences Fontbonne Academy again

Fontbonne Academy's five-game slide against quality opponents continued with a 6-1 loss to Hanover on Saturday at Hanover Middle School.

The Ducks (9-10) — who dropped a 4-2 game to Hanover on Monday — were quieted yet again by pitcher Deanna McMahon. McMahon struck out six and only allowed five hits in her complete game effort.

"We've faced her before and I personally know her because I coach her in the summer," Ducks coach Kathy Berardi said of McMahon. "I know she's going to throw strikes. She's going to throw spin pitches.

"I talked to my girls about that and I asked them to keep going at her the best they can."

Fontbonne could never get anything going against the powerful right-handed pitcher. The only run came in the top of the fourth, when Taylor Shepherd laced a double and later scored when Jo Wong baited Hanover into a picture perfect rundown play.

"Deanna hits her spots all the time," said Hanover coach Joe Messina. "She has a nice mix of pitches. She's moves the ball around and she keeps them off balance."

The Ducks struggled with their pitching early in the game. Bridget Plouffe, who started the year on junior varsity, was a little off with her command, as she walked the first two batters she faced.

It didn't help having Hanover's Kelly Duval waiting in the three-hole with runners on base. Duval roped a two RBI double in the first and blasted a two-run homer in the third to pace the Indians offense.

Rachel Selbert pitched well in relief. The sophomore only gave up a run in three innings of work, while recording two strikeouts.

Shepherd continued her comeback after missing a few games with injured fingers on her throwing hand to go 2-for-3 with a run scored.

It hasn't been the smoothest run for the Ducks after their big win over Cathedral on May 20, but the five losses have come against non-league opponents. The Ducks are guaranteed a playoff spot, as they are 8-2 in the league.

"When you get into the playoffs it's going to be a whole different level," said Berardi. "We are just going to take the first game, and we know we are going to be low in the seeding, but hopefully are pitchers can be on.

"We have to limit our errors and cover our bases and I think we will be OK for the preliminary and first round."