Softball: Lady Cats Go 1-1 In One Run Ball Games This Week, Enter District Nine Playoffs (05/18/19)

(Above photo by Kim Constantino: Payton Simko making a nice catch at short, against Karns City)

The Clarion Area Lady Cats Softball Team went 1-1 this week, in games with a playoff atmosphere, as they finished the regular season and move on to the District Nine Class A Playoffs.

On Tuesday (May 14th), the Lady Cats fell to homestanding Karns City 2-1.

The Lady Gremlins scored their two runs in the bottom of the first, with Clarion answering with their run in the top of the third. Karns City had 4 hits to the Cats’ three hits. Kait Constantino went six innings, in the circle, striking out nine and allowing just the four hits.

Brenna Campbell had a single and an RBI, while Tori Vega and Kylee Beers each had a single.

Then on Wednesday (May 15th), the Lady Cats downed the visiting Lady Dutch of St. Marys 1-0 in eight innings.

Clarion’s winning run in the bottom of the eighth came when Campbell, who tripled, beat the throw home when Jordan Best hit the ball to first base.

Campbell also had a single. Jordan Best singled, Carly Best, Lindsey Kemmer and Noel Anthony also had singles.

Constantino worked all eight innings, allowing just 4 hits, striking out 13 and allowing just two walks.

Coach Shofestall had this to say, “We finished the regular season against two quality teams that will hopefully help us as we prepare for the D9 playoffs. Karns City and St. Mary’s both have good pitchers and it was good to see that kind of pitching before we head into the playoffs.

“I was also pleased with the way our kids responded to some injuries and sickness we had throughout the week. We had to play a number of kids in different positions and the team handled it very well.

“As always there are some very good teams in the single A playoffs this year but we’re looking forward to the opportunities they present.

“We host Cameron County (in the D9 quarterfinals) on Tuesday (May 21st) at a Weaver Park in Clarion with a 4:00 start. I encourage all of our fans to come out to Weaver Park and cheer our team on. The  team is excited about representing the whole surrounding community.”

(Thanks to Kim Constantino for the photos. GREAT JOB, CATS!!!!)