Thursday, May 31, 2001
N.Ky. softball highlights
Rebels, Pioneers win semis
By Ray Schaefer
Enquirer contributor
Scott's Jesse Thomas is forced out at home by Boone County catcher Machelle VanCleve.
(Patrick Reddy photo)
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This year's Ninth Region softball title game has a familiar look.
As they did last year, Simon Kenton and Boone County will face off in the championship game, at 5p.m. Friday. The Pioneers earned a chance to defend their title with a 9-1 semifinal win Wednesday over Holmes, and the Rebels advanced with a 4-2 victory over Scott.
This year's Simon Kenton team bears little resemblance to last year's champions. Coach Kraig Hoover moved to softball coach from junior-varsity baseball coach, and he had to replace five starters.
“I came in here, I saw a ton of talent,” Hoover said. “Last year they had more all-stars. I like this team for (its) chemistry. They work harder; they're blue-collar.”
Boone County (31-6) has the best record in Northern Kentucky and one of the region's best pitchers — junior Heather Lawrence. But coach Patti Oliverio said her players aren't worried about setting up high expectations.
“I don't think they feel any pressure,” Oliverio said. “This is the fun time of year.”
Sophomore shortstop Amber Janneck, who had two singles and two RBI for Boone County, didn't sound worried, either.
“I don't feel any pressure,” Janneck said. “We've beaten these teams still left.”
Simon Kenton (20-11) started slowly against Holmes. First baseman Danielle Corbin's first of two doubles, in the first inning, gave her team a 1-0 lead.
Holmes tied the game at 1-1 on senior third baseman Lori Brinkman's double to right in the fourth.
But a few minutes later, Simon Kenton essentially ended the Lady Bulldogs' year. They scored twice in the fourth inning and three times in the fifth, and Corbin's three-run double to left in the sixth ended the scoring.
Simon Kenton junior Lauren Wood struck out eight for her 18th win of the season.
Scott ....... 000 000 2—2 5 4
Boone County ....... 010 201 x—4 8 3
WP-Lawrence (2 strikeouts). LP-Goldsberry. Hitting leaders: S-O'Brien 1-4, 2 RBI; BC-Janneck 2-4, 2 RBI; Egan 2-3, 2B, RBI. Records: S 16-12, BC 31-6.
Holmes ....... 000 100 0—1 2 6
Simon Kenton ....... 100 233 x—9 7 3
WP-Wood (8 strikeouts). LP-Miller. Hitting leaders: H-Brockman 1-3, 2B, RBI; SK-Corbin 2-4, 2 2B, 4 RBI; Sester 2-3. Records: H 16-12 2, SK 20-11.
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N.Ky. softball highlights
