Newcastle makes semi-finals of Class 4A state softball
The Newcastle Racers fast-pitch softball improved to 30-2 on the season with a 1-0 victory over the Grove Ridge Runners in the first game of the Class 4A softball state tournament last Thursday at The Ballfields of Firelake in Shawnee.
It was a great start for the final post-season push for Newcastle. But, the Racers had to wait until Wednesday to resume state tourney play due to rainy weather over the weekend.
Thus, results of the state tournament will not be available until later. However, Newcastle head coach Mike Crossley was very pleased with his team’s performance in the opening round of state last week.
“We did a couple of things today that were uncharacteristic of us,” Crossley said. “But, we will take it. It doesn’t matter whether you win 1-0 or 10-0 or whatever. As long as you win at this time of the season, that’s all that counts. I’m really proud of the girls. They played well and you could tell that they were very excited.”
McKenzie Wagoner (20-0) was in the circle for the Racers and she was simply fantastic. She held the Ridge Runners scoreless on just four hits while striking out 12 hitters.
Grove pitcher Laken Malone was nearly as effective as she struck out five during the game. But, all it took was one run to win this particular game – and the Racers got it in the top of the first.
Maebree Robertson (who singled) scored the game’s only run after Wagoner singled her home. Robertson had two of Newcastle’s five hits in the contest.
It was particularly pleasing to Crossley and his Newcastle team to see a huge gathering of Newcastle fans at the game in Shawnee.
“We get great support from our community,” Crossley said. “Our student body loves us. I don’t think our girls are used to playing in such an atmosphere as this. But, we always get great support from the Newcastle community. We played in the regional finals to something similar. But, it was nothing like this crowd.
“There’s so much at stake. I hope it doesn’t overwhelm them. Today was a good day for us. Grove is a heck of a team and my hat’s off to them. Hopefully we can calm down a little bit, do more things right, and end up on the plus side.”
Newcastle played Lone Grove at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the semi-finals while Tuttle played Hilldale. The winners squared off at 4 p.m. for the Class 4A state championship.