Frontier falls in sectional semifinal to Tuscarawas Central Catholic

Kaycee Berentz of Frontier pitches the ball in a sectional semifinal softball game against Tuscarawas Central Catholic at Frontier High School in New Matamoras, Ohio.
(Photo by Aaron Lee)

NEW MATAMORAS – On Wednesday, Frontier played host to Tuscarawas Central Catholic for a sectional semifinal softball game. Despite the rain that made an appearance, it was a well-pitched affair on both sides. Central Catholic got up in the first inning with a couple of runs and never gave up that lead, winning by a final of 6-1.

The Saints started the scoring on a double by Stella Everett that brought home a runner. A single by Ryann Walker then got them out to a 2-0 lead.

From there, both Everett and Frontier pitcher Kaycee Berentz locked things down. Starting in the bottom of the first, each team went three up and three down twice, with both pitchers striking out five of six batters faced.

In the top of the fourth, Central Catholic’s Dessika McCollins got on base with a single. Moments later, a bunt attempt by the Saints was caught by Frontier first baseman Isabella Grayson. After a strikeout by Berentz, the side was retired.

Kate Congleton got an extra base hit in the bottom of the frame, recording a double for the Cougars. After advancing to third on a wild pitch, she was tagged out at home plate for the final out of the inning.

Frontier’s Ella Mendenhall prepares for the pitch in a sectional semifinal softball game against Tuscarawas Central Catholic at Frontier High School in New Matamoras, Ohio.
(Photo by Aaron Lee)

After getting aboard on a single in the top of the fifth, Tuscarawas Central Catholic’s Ellen Norris was brought home on a two-run home run by Everett that expanded the Saint’s lead to 4-0.

Frontier responded with a run of its own. Berentz started the inning off strong with a lead-off walk. She scored on a Saints error on a ball put in play by Evelyn Armstrong to end the shutout and make the score 5-1.

The Saints added another run in both the sixth and seventh innings. McCollins hit a single to get on base in the sixth, made it to third on an Izzy Murphy bunt and reached home plate on an error. In the seventh, Everett had a lead-off single. She scored on a hit by Norris to give the Saints a 6-1 lead.

Frontier managed to get two baserunners aboard in its final set of at-bats, with Grace Arnold being hit by a pitch and Ella Mendenhall getting walked. However, they were unable to make it home before the third out was recorded.

Saints pitcher Everett got the win, recording 16 strikeouts and two walks in seven innings. Frontier’s Berentz also pitched a complete game, and had 13 strikeouts and one walk.

“I thought they got up on us there in the first inning there,” said Cougars head coach Eric Rinard. ”

“We went a few innings where we were not swinging at some good pitches, not seeing the ball and trusting our eyes. I told them, ‘We just gotta be able to trust our eyes,’ and then we started getting people on. We just needed to get a timely hit, and we were never able to get a timely hit.”

He discussed the impact of those who will not be with the program next year, “The seniors, they were true leaders. Their leadership was outstanding this year, leading the team not only on the field but off the field also. Alway encouraging, super job. I’ll hate to miss them, but that happens this time of the year, so you move on and wish them the best of luck.”