Despite Loss in Sectional Semifinal, Chatham Softball Garners Praise

CALDWELL — The Chatham softball team couldn't quite get past one of its toughest opponents this year in a sectional semifinals matchup.

The fourth-seeded team, which made it to the semifinals without the help of injured star catcher Alex St. Romain, fell to No. 1 seed West Essex, 2-0, on Tuesday.

The Cougars were able to keep the Knights at bay until the fifth inning as pitcher Amanda Fazio retired them in order in the second and third.

But with two outs in the fifth, West Essex junior Brianna Schauer kept the Knights alive, lining a pitch over Chatham first baseman Kelly Winans's head into shallow right field. 

Senior Jackie Branco came to the plate next, and Schauer stole second base to put herself into scoring position. Branco then hit the ball into left center, registering an RBI double and putting the Knights up 1-0.

The Cougars were unable to produce any sparks offensively against West Essex senior pitcher Austin Leigh, who registered seven strikeouts.

"We lost to a great team with a very good pitcher," said Chatham Head Coach Alexis Davies.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Chatham's fate was sealed as pitcher Amanda Fazio walked in the second and final run of the game.

Although the team will not move on, Davies is still happy.

"I can't say enough about this team," Davies commented. "To get this far and be this close without our best player is phenomenal."

The Cougars are scheduled to play Morris Catholic today at home at 4 p.m. in their final regular season game of the year.