Maplewood blanked in Div. IV semifinal

Dalton's coach predicted her team will win the regional tournament.
By RYAN JONES
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
KENT -- With its 1-0, nine-inning victory over the Maplewood High softball team Wednesday in the Division IV regional semifinal, Dalton moved within one step of a state playoff berth.
Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Kent State University regional, Dalton (18-8) will play the winner of today's Mineral Ridge-Crestline game.
"It doesn't matter who we face because we will beat whichever team we play," Dalton coach Jessica Reinke said.
Dalton's Rachael Triner led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a single and Ashley Douglas bunted for a hit that advanced Triner to third.
Triner scored the winning run on a passed ball.
"I knew this would be a close game, and with two good teams playing, a mistake is usually what makes the difference," Maplewood coach David Flickinger said. "However, I do not look at losing a game coming down to one particular play. We had several opportunities where we did not execute."
Rockets' chances
Maplewood pitcher Markie Pozzuto allowed one unearned run on four hits and struck out 17, giving her more than 250 strikeouts for the season.
"[Pozzuto] is an outstanding competitor and her work ethic is unmatched, and being only a freshman you'll see a lot more of her in years to come," Flickinger said.
Dalton freshman pitcher Jessi Carmichael allowed just one hit and struck out 11.
"We had a freshman versus freshman matchup today, not something you see often," Reinke said. "[Carmichael] is a hard thrower and a great pitcher."
Britanny Spencer's infield single was Maplewood's only hit.
Maplewood threatened in the eighth with only one out but was unable to score.
Lauren Simmons reached on an error, and advanced to second when Brandy Dickson was awarded first base on catcher interference.
Simmons stole third, but a failed sacrifice bunt attempt and a strikeout ended the inning.
"Failing to get the run home with only one out really hurt us," Flickinger said.
The Rockets lose three seniors to graduation, so there are few holes to fill next season.
"We have some good talent coming back," Flickinger said.