LACEY — It was just one of those days for the Meadowdale softball team.
Everything that could go wrong seemingly did. Meadowdale uncharacteristically committed eight errors and Holy Names took advantage, defeating the Mavericks 10-5 in a loser-out game at the 3A state tournament at the Regional Athletic Complex.
“It’s just that day. Everything is tough,” said Meadowdale head coach Dennis Hopkins. “I think some of it was nerves for a few younger players. It kind of snowballed. … The bats just went cold. It’s not the best time of the year for everything to go the wrong way. And everybody’s good down there.”
It was the second loss of the day for Meadowdale which fell to University (19-6 overall) 4-0 in its state opener. The Mavericks struggled against the Titans and pitcher Alex Douglas, who scattered three hits.
Meadowdale’s offense got going in the second game, tallying 12 hits against Holy Names (20-7). Meadowdale kept the game close in the early innings but the errors — and a five-run fourth inning by the Cougars — sunk the Mavericks.
“You go two seasons with less than eight errors a season,” said Hopkins, “and then you have eight all in one day.”
Meadowdale, which placed third at state last season and was playing in its third-consecutive 3A state tournament, got strong pitching performances by sophomores Samantha Gregoryk and Julia Reuble, who struck out nine batters in the Mavericks’ first game against University.
However, Meadowdale had a hard time providing runs for the two pitchers.
“I think both the pitchers did really well,” Hopkins said. “They just didn’t get the run support. We were hitting the ball pretty well. It just went right to the defenders.”
The losses ended a strong season for Meadowdale (19-5 overall). The Mavericks graduate two seniors, outfielder Tiffany DeWayne and infielder Ashley Brooke, but return almost everybody from a team that finished the regular season 16-2.
“Once you have a taste of state you always want to go back,” said Hopkins. “Making it three times in a row is unheard of in any sport. They’d like to make it four. Our players will get stronger and improve. … You never know. But we’re feeling comfortable about being able to make a run for it next year again.”
Holy Names 10, Meadowdale 5
At Regional Sports Complex
Meadowdale0200210—5128
Holy Names310510x—10111
Samantha Gregoryk, Julia Reuble (4) and Emma Helm. Kaitlin Cappetto and Katelyn Lazarek. WP—Cappetto. LP—Gregoryk. 2B—Kaitlyn Webster (M), Hailey Costello (M), Samantha Carlson (HN). Records—Meadowdale 19-5 overall. Holy Names 20-7.
University 4, Meadowdale 0
At Regional Sports Complex
Meadowdale0000000—032
University110020x—451
Julia Reuble and Emma Helm. Alex Douglas and Lacey Awbery. WP—Douglas. LP—Reuble. 2B—Brooklyn Tacke (U). HR—Tacke (U). Records—Meadowdale 19-5 overall. University 19-6.
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