Saints lose in semi's

"We were hitting the ball well today making good contact, but nothing solid," Churchville-Chili's varsity softball coach M.P. Dewey described her teams 1-0 loss to Webster in eight innings May 30 in the sectional semi-finals. The win put the Warriors up against Spencerport in the Class A finals, a game they would go on to win for the title, 12-6. The Rangers reached the championship game for the first time in school history by upsetting top-seeded Irondequoit 4-0.

The Saints managed just two baserunners - none getting past first base - and no hits against Webster hurler Colleen Cauley. Junior Amy Piatek reached on an error with two outs in the first inning and she was hit by a pitch in the dirt with one out in the fourth inning before being erased on a doubleplay.

Webster scored the game's only run in the bottom of the eighth inning. A leadoff single and a sacrifice put the winning run in scoring position with one out. A single up the middle was smothered by Saints shortstop Kelly Musshafen on a diving stop, preventing the run from scoring. The next batter sent a group ball to first, but the throw home was late.

Nikki Torcello allowed only five hits in picking up the tough-luck loss for Churchville-Chili. "As a sophomore, Nikki pitched with great composure and control. We placed solid defense behind her. I'm just very proud of the whole team and the way we battled," concluded Dewey after the game.

The Saints finish with a 14-5 record. Seniors Maggie Mertz and Katie Seidenberg suited up for their final varsity games for the young squad, which should be heard from again next season.