Frontier softball claims OVAC 2A championship

The Frontier softball team defeated Caldwell 1-0 Friday at J.B. Chambers I-470 Complex in Wheeling, W.Va., to claim the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference 2A championship.
(Courtesy photo)

WHEELING, W.Va. — Behind another pitching gem from Kaycee Berentz and a clutch first-inning hit from Kate Congleton, the Frontier Cougars defeated Caldwell 1-0 Friday at J.B. Chambers I-740 Complex for the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference 2A championship.

The Cougars put up the game’s only run in their first chance at bat. After Gracie Mendenhall led off with a walk, she advanced to second and then came around to score on Congleton’s RBI single. Berentz also singled later in the game while Evelyn Armstrong doubled, but that was all the offense Frontier could muster against Caldwell starting pitcher Makayla Mumaw, who struck out 10 and walked two in seven innings of work.

Berentz, though, was just a little bit better on this day. The Frontier junior allowed just one hit, a single by Kenzie Hupp, and did not walk a batter. She fanned 12, this after punching out 16 in the Cougars’ 2-1 OVAC semifinal win over Shadyside. She threw 97 pitches, 76 for strikes.

Caldwell had won OVAC titles the three previous season before Frontier knocked them off.

Now, the Cougars will play Shenandoah at 5 p.m. today for their senior night before turning their attention to sectional play. The tournament begins next Tuesday, May 7, when they play host to Tuscarawas Central Catholic in the sectional semifinals at 5 p.m.