Gaels seal the deal

MASON CITY - The celebration was delayed a day, but it was a wait the St. Edmond softball team could gladly make.

After a lightning delay delayed and eventually postponed the No. 11 Gaels (30-5 overall) regional finals game against Central Springs (23-3) on Wednesday with St. Edmond leading big in the fourth inning, the Gaels got there chance to finish it off and punch their state ticket.

The Gaels reached the state tournament for the first time since 2006 knocking off the Panthers 13-5 in the finals after leading 12-4 before the weather delay.

The win will put St. Edmond in the state tournament for the third time in school history.

"The girls have been reaching milestones all season. Going to state is a big one, and this group of kids deserves it," said St. Edmond head coach Jana Beisell. "This was a fun game and a little off with how it played out, but we're thrilled to be out on top and keep our season alive."

The Gaels, who extended their win streak to 19 games with the victory, left the game in a dicey situation with the delay, and had to resume with Central Springs having base runners on third and second with just one out.

The Panthers scored the runner from third on a fielder's choice, and Gael ace Jordan Florey was able to strikeout the next batter to get out of the jam.

Florey cruised from that point on, holding Central Springs scoreless in the final three innings to earn the win on the mound. Florey finished with six strikeouts and gave up nine hits.

St. Edmond scored an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning, as a base hit with the bases loaded brought in a runner and put the Gaels up 13-5.

"Coming into (today), we knew we needed two things: hits and outs. That's what we were focusing on to finish the game off," said Beisell. "Our defense did a great job closing them out, and played fantastic for the two days. Florey pitched great both times out as well."

The Gaels were able to jump out to a huge advantage on Wednesday, scoring six runs in the second and fourth innings while the Panthers had committed six errors already.

Kaitlyn Barrett hit a home-run in the second frame, and Josie Heesch later notched a two-RBI single to bring in more Gael runs. Lexie Peed, Marti Dencklau and Florey also had RBIs in the inning.

Florey also hit a two-RBI home-run in the fourth inning. Caitlin Finucan and Allie Oberg notched RBI singles as well, while the Panthers had four errors in the frame.

Central Springs got on the board with four runs in the fourth inning before the game was postponed.

"We knew it was still anybody's ball game. We expected them to come out and get their hits, we just wanted to stay cool and get outs," said Beisell. "Overall, I am very proud of the game our girls played."

Florey also lead the offense to help her cause, finishing with three hits and three RBI. Barrett, Allie Bianchi, Timmi Dencklau, Heesch and Kenzie Hawley also had two hits.

St. Edmond will open the start tournament with Mid-Prairie (20-16) in round one, with start time at 7:30 p.m. this Monday.

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areyoukiddingme
07-16-10 11:39 AM »Report Abuse	Good luck and congrats girls!

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