Indian Lake unable to muster any offense in 2-0 regional semifinal loss
FAIRBORN — Indian Lake’s historic tournament journey ran out of gas here against an impressive Johnstown squad Wednesday.
Indian Lake’s Libby Cotterman tags out Johnstown’s Abby Schaffer at third base during the seventh inning of Wednesday’s Division III regional semifinal at Wright State University in Fairborn. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MATT HAMMOND) |
The Lakers were making their first appearance in the regional tournament and turned in an admirable performance, but they were handed a 2-0 loss by the Johnnies (23-7) in a Division III semifinal at Wright State University.
“I am not disappointed at all,” said Indian Lake head coach Skip Oliver. “These girls made it farther than any softball team Indian Lake has ever had, and they played well today. It was fun.
“When you get to this point, it is about what you do with the bat. They have two really good pitchers and we just couldn’t put enough hits together.”
Indian Lake (15-15) had surprised many by surging through the sectional and district tournaments to grab a spot in the regionals.
The Lakers showed Wednesday that they belonged, going toe-to-toe with the Johnnies for the first five innings.
However, Johnstown’s Sydney Stefanick hit a bomb over the center-field fence leading off the top of the sixth inning to give her team a 1-0 lead.
“I was looking middle-outside,” said Stefanick of her ninth home run of the season. “I was just trying to hit it solid and get on base.”
The Johnnies added another run in the seventh and the Lakers were unable to do any damage against the duo of Stefanick and Maddi Lusk.
Stefanick allowed only two hits and struck out six over the first five innings. Despite not allowing a Laker to reach second base, Stefanick was removed for Lusk to start the sixth.
A hard thrower, Lusk struck out four and allowed one hit over the final two frames.
Johnstown coach Steve Smith said he has used the two-pitcher system all season.
“It is tough when you have to face two pitchers like that,” said Oliver. “Just when you feel like you are starting to get the timing down for (Stefanick), they brought the other girl in who is the faster of the two. It was difficult to adjust to that.”
Read complete story in Thursday’s Examiner.
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