Day: May 14, 2021

SARCOXIE, Mo. — It was a matchup between two of the top pitchers in the area with both of their respective teams trying to extend their historical seasons at least one game longer.

In the end, it was Diamond celebrating as a group in the middle of the field after defeating College Heights (with McAuley) 1-0 in the Class 2 quarterfinal round of the state tournament on Thursday.

With the win, the Wildcats improve to 20-2 on the season and advance to the state semifinals for the first time in school history. Diamond will take on Potosi (25-3) in the semifinals with a 4 p.m. matchup on May 21 at the Killian Softball Complex in Springfield.

“I can’t thank my community enough,” Diamond coach Kelsey Parrish said. “So many people came out from both communities to show their support. It’s pretty awesome that for the first time in history we are going to the Final Four. It is just an awesome opportunity. The girls have worked really hard and deserve this.”

The Cougars’ season ends with an 18-4 record, making it to the quarterfinals for the first time in program history.

“The girls did such a fantastic job,” College Heights coach Mike Howard said. “Two years ago only winning three games, to turn this thing around and win 18 games, become conference champs, become district champs, it’s just such a testament to their hard work. … It was a very special season.”

College Heights graduates seniors Avery Good, Sarah Painter and Emi Kuhns.

“They’ve meant everything to us,” Howard said. “They’re such great kids and lead by example. They come to practice every single day and work hard. They lift the younger ones up and teach them. 

“That is what this team was defined by this year. They have such good camaraderie and that’s crazy because they are two rival schools that battle each other in every other sport and then come together, get along and be friends. When you combine that with talent, great things happen, and I think that’s what happened this year.”

As for the pitching matchup, Diamond junior Madi Bentley versus College Heights freshman Maddy Colin did not disappoint. 

Bently earned the complete-game win after allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out 14.

“Every single pitch was important out there, but I trust my defense and I know they have my back,” Bentley said about pitching in a one-run postseason game. “(That early run) was great. It gave me a little cushion and it boosted our confidence.”

“This is crazy,” Bentley added. “My freshman year, we got second place in districts. Now we’re going to the Final Four. It’s a dream come true.”

Colin was saddled with a complete-game loss after allowing one unearned run on six hits, no walks and nine strikeouts in six innings.

“I can’t say enough about that kid,” Howard said. “Just being a freshman and being able to keep her composure when things aren’t going her way. … It sucks the only run they scored was unearned tonight, but she did such a great job all year long in the circle for us. I just can’t say enough about her and her work ethic and everything she’s about. I am so fortunate to be her coach and I can’t wait to coach her for the next three years.”

The lone run of the game came in the second inning. Bentley had the game’s first hit, leading off the frame with a single through the left side. Bentley was forced out at second on a fielder’s choice ground ball off the bat of Lexy Bridges. Piper Brewer followed with a bunt hit before Leslie Watson loaded the bases after and in-between pop fly single in the infield. With Grace Irwin at the plate, a throw-back from the catcher to the pitcher was high and got away, allowing Bridges to take home for a 1-0 lead.

“I am just really proud of my girls being aggressive on the bases,” Parrish said. “All season, that’s what we’ve been working on—them seeing it before we see it. They just took advantage of the opportunity.”

College Heights’ lone hit of the game came with two outs in the top of the sixth when Jayli Johnson doubled to left-center field to put a runner in scoring position. A strikeout in the next at-bat ended the threat.

“We were not very disciplined today,” Howard said. “I think we let the game itself get to us. … The overall complexion of this game is we didn’t have very good approaches at the plate. We didn’t stay very disciplined up there and I think that really hurt us in the end.”

IN THE BOX

Bentley led the Wildcats at the plate with a 3-for-3 game, including a double. Caitlyn Suhrie, Beaver and Watson all had hits for Diamond.

Johnson’s double was the only for CHC, while Colin drew a walk to lead off the fifth inning as the Cougars’ first baserunner of the game.