DYER BROOK, Maine — The playoff road came to an abrupt end for the Southern Aroostook softball team Thursday as the No. 3 Warriors were upset by No. 6 Deer Isle-Stonington, 10-9, in a thrilling nine-inning game.
Southern Aroostook, who had finished as runners up in Class D North the past two seasons, was hoping the third time would be the charm this year to bring home a championship. The Warriors posted an impressive 12-2 regular season record, earning the first-round bye.
Deer Isle-Stonington shortstop Brie Limeburner, left, slaps the tag on Southern Aroostook’s Kylie Vining during Thursday’s Class D North quarterfinal. DIS won 10-9 in nine innings. Backing up the play is DIS second baseman Abby Stinson.
(Joseph Cyr)
In Thursday’s game against the Mariners, SA senior Kylie Vining scattered six hits and six walks, with 11 strikeouts turning in a gutsy performance inside the pitching circle. Vining injured her leg sliding into second base on an attempted steal in the bottom of the fifth inning, but remained in the game.
However, in the top of the sixth inning, Vining had to exit the pitching circle, handing the ball off to sophomore Emma Nadeau, who allowed just one hit and one walk, with one strikeout. Vining returned to the circle in the top of the seventh inning and was able to finish the game.
Selena Botting led the Warriors offensively with a double and single and three runs scored. Aliyah Morales, Vining, Nadeau and Paige Vose each had one single.
Southern Aroostook third baseman Aliyah Morales makes a valiant effort to catch a high throw as Deer Isle-Stonignton’s Abby Stinson slides safely into third base during Thursday’s Class D North quarterfinal. DIS won 10-9 in nine innings.
(Joseph Cyr)
Mariner catcher Kaylee Morey was sensational both behind the plate and at bat. The sophomore catcher showed off a tremendous arm throwing to second base, eliminating any chance for the Warriors to swipe a base. She also showed plenty of pop in her bat, blasting a double and single and was intentionally walked twice.
Taylor Hardy gave up six hits, 14 walks and hit three batters. She had two strikeouts on the day.
After the two squads battled to a 7-7 stalemate after seven innings of regulation, the Mariners broke through in the top of the ninth inning, plating three runs.
Southern Aroostook attempted a valiant comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning, but fell just short.
Deer Isle-Stonginton catcher Kaylee Morey, left, and Southern Aroostook’s Alexis Hartin look to the umpire for the call after Hartin tried to score during Thursday’s Class D North quarterfinal. Hartin was out on this play and DIS went on to win 10-9 in nine innings.
(Joseph Cyr)
