Defensive lapses unusual for Flashes

They committed five miscues in the 4-0 loss to Monroe Central.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
ASHLAND -- The unusual happened to the Champion High softball team in Thursday's Division III state semifinal against Woodsfield Monroe Central.
Its defense came unraveled, committing five errors in a 4-0 loss at Brookside Park.
"I would have to look back a long way in the scorebook before I found a game where we had five errors," Champion coach Cheryl Weaver said.
Four miscues came within the first three innings, helping the Seminoles to a 2-0 lead from which the Golden Flashes couldn't recover.
"Things happened that normally don't happen," said Weaver, citing her team's nerves as a factor. "They [usually] make those routine plays."
Tough luck
Especially senior Jessica Carpenter, an All-Trumbull Athletic Conference shortstop, who committed three errors. Pitcher Kasey Karr and center fielder Meghan Packman also mishandled balls.
"We couldn't have gotten here without Jessica," Weaver said. "I don't care how many errors we had today."
Senior first baseman Lauren Seafert added of her teammate, "She's an extremely big part of our team. She doesn't like making mistakes -- ever. She's very much a perfectionist, and she's hard on herself."
Carpenter was overcome with emotion in the third inning after mishandling back-to-back grounders. Weaver quickly noticed and took time out to gather her team at the pitcher's circle.
"I saw the tears welling up in her eyes as soon as it happened," Weaver said. "I just needed to get her calmed down, because the next ball may be hit right back at her. She just needed to get her composure."
Senior effort
Carpenter executed a put-out in the fifth inning and nearly came up with a sensational diving catch to shallow left field in the sixth.
"She's been so important," Karr said of her teammate. "There's been key plays she's made and hits she's had."
One came in the third inning when Carpenter singled sharply to center field, loading the bases with two outs. The Golden Flashes, however, couldn't drive those base runners home, contributing to the end of an unforgettable season.