The third time did not turn out to be the charm for West Liberty-Salem’s softball team Saturday.
West Liberty-Salem’s Hannah Riblet, let, tags West Jefferson’s McKenna Archey at third base during Saturday’s Division III regional final at Wright State University. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MATT HAMMOND)
After losing to West Jefferson in a pair 1-0 regular-season games, the Tigers were hoping to get some revenge over the Roughriders in a Division III regional final at Wright State.
But WL-Salem was dealt another close loss, this time a 4-2 defeat, to see its season come to a finish.
The Tigers’ typically solid defense was plagued by four errors.
“When you look up at the scoreboard, it comes down to those four errors up there,” said WL-Salem head coach Kenleigh Farris. “Our girls gave a great effort, but we just had a few mistakes that ultimately cost us a couple of runs. Things just didn’t happen for us.”
The Roughriders struck for two runs in the top of the first inning before the Tigers came back with a pair of runs of their own in the bottom of the first. Olivia Milliron came up with a two-out single to right that plated a pair of runs and knotted the score at 2-2.
WL-Salem’s bats were contained the rest of the way by West Jefferson pitcher Isabelle Fisher.
West Jeff (21-6) went ahead 3-2 in the top of the fifth on an RBI single by McKenna Archey and the Roughriders tacked on another run in the top of the seventh on an RBI single by Brooke Roberts.
The Tigers, who end their season with a 20-10 record, brought the tying run to the plate with one out in the bottom of the seventh. However, a fielder’s choice groundout, a strikeout and an infield flyout wiped out hopes for a WL-Salem rally.
“West Jefferson is a great team and I am proud of them for moving forward,” said Farris. “I am also very proud of my team. These girls had a great season.”
The Roughriders were making their first regional tournament appearance. They will play in a state semifinal game Thursday in Akron.
For more on Saturday’s game, see Tuesday’s edition of the Examiner.