05/24/06
Afton continues MAC dominance with 3-0 victory over Hornets
By Jason Bryden
Contributing Writer
AFTON — History didn’t repeat itself in the Midstate Athletic Conference softball championship Tuesday.
Afton took advantage of two Harpursville errors en route to three unearned runs in a 3-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Hornets in the MAC title game Tuesday at Afton. Harpursville fell to 19-1.
It was the second straight league title for the Crimson Knights (20-2) and fourth overall in the five-year history of the MAC.
Two years ago, it was Harpursville that took advantage of two Afton errors in the sixth inning to snap a 2-all tie en route to its first MAC title.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]"The biggest factor is we could hit the ball (to take advantage of the miscues)," Afton coach Cindy Bostelman said. "We hit the ball hard today and (Harpursville) had to make some great catches."
Sophomore Morgan Muller threw a one-hitter, striking out nine and walking one.
"I had my infield and outfield behind me," said Muller, who improved to 20-2. "I’m going to focus right now and pitch my game. This was a good game before sectionals."
Said Bostelman: "She’s been really phenomenal, stable and consistent. She never holds her head down when she’s down in the count."
Afton snapped a scoreless tie in the top of the fourth inning. With one out, Jessie Winans singled to left.
Amber Lynn then hit a comebacker to Harpursville pitcher Kaitlyn Hamilton. First baseman Brittany Rowe couldn’t handle the throw from Hamilton, allowing Lynn to reach as Winans advanced to third.
Pinch-runner Stephanie Sherman stole second to put runners on second and third. After Courtney Lynn lined out to Rowe for the second out, Marie Loher singled through the left side to score Winans and Sherman for a 2-0 lead.
"I was just trying to stay calm and get a hit," said Loher, who had two hits. "(Hamilton) is a good pitcher."
Afton scored its final run in the sixth. Winans singled to left and Amber Lynn hit a grounder to shortstop Carrie Smith, whose throw went over second baseman Kristin Hakola, allowing Winans to score.
"(That is) very atypical of how we played (this season in the field)," Harpursville coach Ron Henry said. "It was well played except for the errors we made."
Hamilton lost for the second straight year in the title game, allowing six hits and striking out five. When Harpursville beat Afton, 2-0, on April 12, Hamilton had 13 strikeouts.
Loher, Winans and Amanda Rupakus each had three hits for the Crimson Knights, who are top-seeded in the Section Four Class D Tournament. Afton received a first-round bye and is looking to win its 12th straight sectional title.
AFTON 3, HARPURSVILLE 0
Afton 000 201 0 — 3 6 1
Harpursville 000 000 0 — 0 1 2
Morgan Muller (W, 20-2) and Amber Lynn. Kaitlyn Hamilton (L, 10-1) and Crystal Hollett. 2B – Kaitlyn Hamilton (H).
