In an evenly fought matchup, it was one mishap that put an end to the Brandon varsity softball team’s season.
Livonia Ladywood scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the eighth inning to claim a 1-0 victory in a Division 2 regional final matchup June 13 at Birmingham Seaholm.
The game was originally scheduled to take place following the regional semifinals June 11. However, inclement weather forced the postponement of the game until Monday.
Ladywood (19-15-1) advanced to the state quarterfinals June 14, while Brandon wrapped up its regular season with a record of 31-10-1.
The Blackhawks had a chance to break the scoreless tie in the top of the eighth, loading the bases with two outs, but could not capitalize.
Brandon pitcher Jill Perry walked the leadoff batter in the bottom of the eighth, then got the next Ladywood batter to hit a grounder. However, the throw to first was wild, allowing Ladywood pinch runner Kasey Shelton to advance to third. Shelton then scored the winning run on the passed ball.
‘The ball just got by the catcher and the run scored,? Brandon coach Carl Gabrielson said. ‘Other than that, we played pretty well. It was a good game.?
Perry allowed only two hits in the game, striking out 10 while walking three.
The Blackhawks managed only three hits against Ladywood ? Brooke Schaefer, Lauren Ross, and Meridith Dura each hit singles. However, Brandon could not push any runs across the plate.
In the June 11 regional semifinal, the Blackhawks shut out Ferndale 14-0 behind the pitching of senior Jackie Wojtkowicz, who threw a no-hitter while striking out 12 Ferndale batters.
The Blackhawks scored seven runs in the first inning to take command of the game. Dura had three hits and two RBI for Brandon, while Ross added two hits and three runs scored and Ashley Brady two hits and three RBI.
Brandon will lose three seniors to graduation: Dura, Wojtkowicz and catcher Katie Flood. Gabrielson said all three will be missed, and offered his thoughts on each player:
? ‘Meridith was the leader on the team and played a great center field. We also lose a .300 hitter. She always had the team ready to go.?
? ‘I’m very proud of Jackie. She took a year off, came back and gave us a great 1-2 pitching combination (with Perry), and batted well over .300. She was always upbeat.?
? ‘In Katie Flood, we lose a very excellent catcher. She calls a great game and hit well for us.?