by Chris Pfaff, Xavier Sportswriter

#10 Sandra Day O’Connor defeated #4 Xavier 6-2 in the 6A State Semifinals last night at Mesa High School. Their win, however, did not eliminate Xavier and advance O’Connor to the State Final because the Softball State Championships is a double-elimination tournament. Prior to last night’s semifinal battle, Xavier was undefeated and Sandra Day had one loss.

THE FIRST FIVE INNINGS

Going back to the end of last night’s fifth inning, Xavier led 2–1 after a solid start by pitcher Angie Falls.

She struck out ten batters in the first five innings, including striking out the side in both the third and fifth. Falls maintained her season-long average of at least two strikeouts per inning, allowing just two hits —according to my unofficial stat sheet — two walks, and one first-inning run.

Xavier answered O’Connor’s early score with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the same inning. Thanks to two walks and a two-out, two-RBI double down the left-field line by Sydney Root, the Gators took a 2–1 lead.

THE SIXTH INNING

The Eagles tacked on a run to tie the game, 2-2, in the top of the sixth. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, and one out, the stage was set for a two-run inning. However, an outstanding play by first baseman Molly Frazier, produced one much-needed out, but the runner on third was able to score. Angie ended O’Connor’s threat with strikeout.

In Xavier’s half of the inning, a single by Sydney Root and two Gators being hit by a pitch loaded the bases with just one out. Unfortunately, two consecutive strikeouts ended the Gator scoring threat.

THE SEVENTH INNING

Without getting into too much detail, O’Connor scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning to take the lead 6-2. Xavier could not recover, but believe it or not, the top of the seventh inning produced two important Xavier highlights.

1. Sydney Root, who had already hit a single and a two-run double, provided some amazing inning-ending relief pitching for Angie Falls. The score was 6-2, runners on first and second, and no outs. Three batters latter the bleeding stopped.
2. Leah Jollineau made an outstanding catch in right field against the second batter Sydney faced.

Tonight, May 15, the Gators and the Eagles must tangle one more time in order to determine who advances. Like last night, they meet at 7pm at Mesa High School.