AKRON — Things did not go as planned for Lucas in Thursday’s state semifinal softball game against Danville at Firestone Stadium.
After a 14-game winning streak, the Cubs (22-7) dropped an 11-0 loss.
The Blue Devils (29-2) cruised to victory behind Shanna Mickley who threw a five-inning complete game with five strikeouts, no walks and gave up four hits. She also led her team in runs batted in with three on two hits. She hit a solo shot in the third inning.
Lucas’ Erica Westfield took the loss after 4.1 innings of work, allowing 5 earned runs. She struck out two batters while walking one. Lucas committed two errors in the game.
“It really helps knowing your defense is behind you no matter what,” Mickley said of her win. “Just knowing that just boosts my confidence even more.”
Danville has rolled through the tournmanet, outscoring six foes by a combined 75-3.
“I really think we gelled come playoff time,” Danville coach Jill Lyons said. “Obviously the further you go, the better hitters you are going to face. Shanna did a great job keeping batters off key a little bit and then our defense comes through.”
Lucas coach Jim Rader said the Cubs were excited about the state tournament appearance, but didn’t get off to the start necessary and never quite regrouped.
“They don’t quit,” he said of his squad, the first Lucas team to reach a state tournament game since 1991. “I’m very proud of them”
Danville scored at least one run in each inning, but exploded in the fifth inning with six runners crossing the plate.
“I think we were seeing the ball really well,” said Jordan Elliott, who registered two RBIs. “We all knew what it was going to have to take.”
Bittersweet End
Alex Depue, the area’s leading hitter, said the ending was difficult for a memorable season.
“To be honest with you, it’s bittersweet because it’s kind of crazy that we got here — an amazing moment,” the senior said.”
Rader said the team improved dramatically this spring.
“We started out 8-6,” he said, “and from that point on, something clicked. We put on 14 wins and beat some very good teams. Winning begets winning. We ran into a buzzsaw today, but still had a very good season.”
