Sports

Defense Propels Pearl River Softball

Pearl River turned in another strong defensive performance in Saturday's 2-1 Section 1 Class A championship game victory over Eastchester.

Eastchester softball coach Chris Walpole just wanted is players to put the ball in play against Pearl River pitcher Katie O'Flynn in Saturday's Section 1 Class A Championship Game.

The idea was to put the pressure on the Pirates' defense, but Pearl River handled the challenge to earn a 2-1 victory and advance to the first round of the state tournament 3 p.m. today against Port Jervis at Minisink Valley High School.

"We were going against a good pitcher," Walpole said. "Our goal was to put the ball in play all day. We did a good job of that. We tried to put pressure on their defense and their defense is formidable. That's why they are state champions."

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O'Flynn was quick to credit the defense behind her after the game and she was not the only one.

"All around, this was definitely our best defensive performance," Pearl River Coach Mike Carlacci said after the game. "This is what we expect. We expect that kind of defense."

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Pearl River did not make an error in the contest. The Pirates also made some spectacular plays, such as center fielder Kristyn Neroda's running catch on a fly ball to end the fourth inning. O'Flynn really only got in trouble in the seventh. Eastchester had a run in and runners on first and second with one out, but first baseman Amanda Schule snared a soft liner and stepped on first base for a double play that ended the threat.

O'Flynn acknowledged the strong play behind her and suggested that the Pirates' familiarity with the field at North Rockland helped. The Pirates suffered their only loss this season there.

"Last game we played here, we lost," O'Flynn said. "We didn't want to lose again. We've played here a few times, so we know how to play with the field. It's a hard field. If a ground ball comes to you, it's going to be a hard ground ball or it's going to bounce. You have to make sure it stays in front of you."

Junior third baseman Amanda Hartigan did that on more than one occasion. Though she scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth, it was her defense that had Carlacci talking after the game.

"I really think she is the best defensive player in the county," Carlacci said. "She certainly showed it today. She was fantastic."

It is Port Jervis that knows the field the teams will play on Monday the best after winning the Section 9 Championship game there Saturday against Marlboro, 2-0. Port Jervis (13-7) was the fourth seed in the Section 9 tournament, but the Raiders upset top-seeded Cornwall, 3-1, in the semifinals.

Senior shortstop Amber Butenhoff has been with the varsity since eighth grade, holds the school record for career hits and is batting over .400 on the season. Senior pitcher Samantha Jo Muller has given up only total in the last two games combined.

Port Jervis last its section in 2007 and took its only state championship in 1985. Pearl River has played in the last two state championship games, winning it all last season.

If Pearl River (23-1) wins today, the Pirates would play at Nanuet Wednesday against Section 4 champion Elmira Free Academy.


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