Rams end OJR's undefeated bid with 9-5 win

The Wildcats of Owen J. Roberts High School might have been forgiven for arriving at Spring-Ford High School yesterday with a little bit of a swagger. Starting the softball season 14-0 will do that.

It may also have dimmed the Wildcats' awareness that they were visiting the defending PAC-10 champions.

“We wanted to let them know that we were here,” said senior Allie Sasek after Spring-Ford downed OJR, 9-5, to end the Wildcats' bid for an undefeated season.

“We are the defending champions and everybody has talked all year about them being undefeated and we wanted to send them a message to let them know we aren’t going away anytime soon,” Sasek said.

Owen J. Roberts started the game in typical fashion, pouncing on Rams starter Hailey Williams, posting two runs in their first at bat on three base hits and leaving two people on base.

“This was huge for our girls to beat them,” said Rams manager Tim Hughes. “For the last few years we have gone back and forth beating each other. It was big for our girls’ confidence to know, and to let them know, that we can beat them. What a game!”

The Rams, who were not in awe of Wildcats pitching phenom Taylor Schultz, started the offensive assault in the second inning as Becca James, who drew a walk to lead off the frame, scored the home squad's first run following a two-out base hit off the bat of Kristin Robinson (3-for-3, 2 runs, 3RBI).

Allie Sasek and Deme Kanakis followed Robinson with a double into left field and single down the line to set the table for Brianna Kofer. Kofer ripped a base hit to left, scoring both runners to give the Rams a 4-2 lead.

“I have just been focusing on keeping my head down on the ball,” said Robinson. “My coaches have been on me about that. When I bring my head up I have been popping up. Today I was able to drive the ball. All week, we have talked as a team about how important it was to get a win today and let them know that we can beat them.”

The Wildcats (14-1 league) knotted the game at four when first basemen Lexie Voszily crushed a ball over the left field wall, scoring herself and Taylor Kelly, who had drawn a walk.

Spring-Ford (14-3 league, 16-3 overall) went right back to work in the home third as Stephanie Diegel hit the ball hard for the second consecutive at bat, but right at centerfielder Maddie Galdi.

With one out in the inning, Becca James and Marisha Bates reached base on hits. Hughes utilized the speed at his disposal to retake the lead as Morgan Newton, who entered the game as a pinch runner for James, scored ahead of the tag of Wildcats catcher Megan Moore when Alexa Nodwodney put a shot back through the middle.

Bates advanced to third, beating the relay throw from Moore to the bag and later scoring on a long sacrifice fly by Robinson to give the Rams a 6-4 lead.

Robinson then took over the pitching duties for Spring-Ford. After striking out the side in fourth inning, it looked as though it would be smooth sailing for the Rams until Owen J. Roberts loaded the bases with no one out to start the fifth inning.

The Wildcats managed a run on a fielder's choice off the bat of Rachel Schwab. Robinson then got Jasmine Dutton to pop up to James at first base. Marisha Bates then made a diving snag of a line drive off the bat of Shannon Clemmens, saving at least two runs and ending the inning.

“That inning was huge for us,” said Robinson. “I just had to be sure to make them hit the ball and not walk anyone. I had confidence that my defense would make the play if they hit it somewhere, and they did.”

“We have talked all week, even at lunch time, about how tough this week would be,” said James, who went 3-for-3 with two runs scored. “We had to hit the ball and make sure we took advantage of our chances to score runs and play good defense, which we did today. I wasn’t really nervous, but I definitely felt the adrenaline pumping,”

Spring-Ford added three more insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth, when Robinson battled back from being down 1-2 to work a full count before drilling the ball off the wall in left center, scoring James and Bates.

Spring-Ford celebrated senior recognition prior to the game.

“We wanted to win this game for the seniors,” said Robinson. “They have been such a big part of what Spring-Ford softball has become. The tradition of winning that they have established is something we as a team are very proud of.”

“This is our field,” said senior Steph Diegel. “If we play our game with good hitting, pitching, and defense, no one can beat us. We have to keep from making mental mistakes and allowing teams to get any momentum going. This was very big for us. They know we can beat them and if we play them in the final, that will enter their heads.”