A four-run lead, in the first three innings of the Griffith sectional championship, wasn’t enough to cage the Lady Wildcats as they rallied in the fifth inning to beat the Lady Panthers on Saturday.
This is the third time the two teams have met this season and Griffith was looking to prove they had it in them to hold their own against Hanover Central. Griffith earned four runs right off the bat but wasn’t able to keep the lead as Hanover Central scored five runs during the bottom of the sixth inning to win the game, 6-5. Hanover Central previously beat the Lady Panthers at the end of the year during two conference games, with a score of 6-1 and 15-0.
“In the past, they had slaughtered us and I knew that we were close enough to be able to beat them,” said Griffith senior captain Ashley Shephard. “I asked each of the girls to play their best and they did just that. I don’t regret a single thing. I think this was one of the best games we played and I am super proud of every girl here.”
Shephard was 3-for-4 at the plate, while junior Payton Kinder was 2-for-3 at the plate and drove in two runs. Junior Breeana Graham drew a walk allowing Griffith to score one run in the first inning.
The Lady Panthers made a solid effort to make sure their bats were off their shoulders as they had eight hits in the game. Four of the eight hits were made against Hanover Central pitcher Sydney Kuzma during the first two innings. Kuzma struck out two hitters.
“I was trying to get used to everything and trying to get ahead in the count,” Kuzma said. “I was almost upset with myself but I knew giving another person an opportunity was best. I was cheering her on because I knew she could do it.”
Kuzma, who is a senior, was replaced by senior Amaya Graves, who only allowed four hits and one run in five innings. Graves struck out three and walked a hitter.
“With the score, I was a little worried. I didn’t want to let my team down but in the end, we pulled through,” Graves said. “My first pitch was a ball but then I started doing what I do best. It was exciting.”
Graves said this is the first time she will be going to regionals.
Kinder, who pitched for Griffith, couldn’t shut down the Wildcats, who earned nine hits and six runs in five innings. Kinder struck out three. Sophomore Kaylee Sheline took over for Kinder and allowed two hits.
Hanover Central senior Jenna Upchurch and junior Ally Holtcamp were both 2-for-4 at the plate. Holtcamp’s hits drove two runs while Upchurch drove one run in. Kuzma was 1-for-2 at the plate with her single hit being a home run.
“I saw it come right down the middle and that’s my favorite pitch,” Kuzma said. “I decided just to take it and as soon it came off the bat, I knew that it was going.”
Kuzma hoped her home run in the fifth inning would cause a rally and it did in the sixth when five more runs were scored. This will be the second time Kuzma has gone to regionals.
Hanover Central senior Leah Mokos and sophomore Cydney Drousias also drove in a run.