CHATEAUGAY – In the battle of the two Section 10 Bulldog schools, top-seeded Chateaugay came out on top with a 3-1 victory over fourth-seeded Heuvelton to earn a spot in the Section 10 Class D softball championship game next week.
In a game where neither team was able to gain a decisive offensive edge, both squads relied on their fielding and great pitching to try and outlast one another. In the end, CCS junior Avery McDonald pulled through when her team needed her most, tossing a one-hitter to help Chateaugay stay undefeated and move on to the title game.
“What an awesome, well-played game today by both teams,” said Chateaugay head coach Jason LaPlante. “That was really fun to be a part of.”
Chateaugay catcher Ali Johnston singled to begin the game and teammate Kaelyn Morgan drove her home to make it 1-0 Chateaugay in the first inning.
The second inning saw both squads go three up, three down as McDonald and Heuvelton pitcher Chasity Johnson mirrored each other by forcing a ground out and closing with two strikeouts. McDonald opened the third with two more strikeouts to bring her streak to four in a row before allowing a walk. Heuvelton was able to tie the game at 1-1 after Johnson singled to get Heuvelton’s only hit of the day and sophomore Addison Havens drove a run in.
Johnston and McDonald both walked to begin the third inning and set up Morgan for a two run RBI single to give CCS a 3-1 advantage, but Johnson closed the inning with back-to-back strikeouts to keep the game close.
Over the final four innings, neither team was able to send more than five batters to the plate as both defenses played shut out softball to close the game. After walking Heuvelton’s Allison Trathen to open the seventh inning, McDonald retired the next three batters including two straight strikeouts to finish it off.
“I could not be prouder of this group of kids,” LaPlante beamed. “They have worked hard to make it this far.”
Johnston scored twice and stole three bases to lead CCS on offense. McDonald provided the other Chateaugay run and stole two bases on offense while striking out 10 batters, walking four and only allowing one hit on the mound. Morgan went 1/3 with two stolen bases and 2 RBI while Titus drove in a run. Rebekah Miller and Delaney Staples each logged a hit for Chateaugay.
Johnson logged the only hit for Heuvelton on the day while adding eight strikeouts and two walks from the mound.
Chateaugay will face defending champions Edwards-Knox in the final after the third-seeded Cougars defeated second-seeded Hammond 7-2 in the other semifinal.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to play in the finals against the defending champions,” added LaPlante. “We will enjoy this and turn our focus to Edwards and go give them our best shot.”
The championship game is scheduled for a 5 p.m. start on Tuesday, May 30. The location has not been announced as of publication.
Heuvelton 000 100 0 – 1 1 0
Chateaugay 102 000 x – 3 5 0
McDonald (W) and Johnston. Johnson (L) and Spooner.
Records: Chateaugay (16-0), Heuvelton (8-4).
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