Canfield advances to finals

By Tom Williams

Bettura’s two-hitter paced the Cardinals

AKRON — Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin baserunner Emily Redig stood at third base with one out in the second inning of Wednesday’s Division II regional softball tournament game at Firestone Stadium.

Canfield ace pitcher Tricia Bettura made sure she didn’t advance an inch further, which is a major reason why the Cardinals (20-4-1) advanced to their second regional championship game in three seasons.

Bettura snagged Sam Krebs’ comebacker to the mound, looked Redig back then zipped the ball to first baseman Bryanne Halfhill for the second out. Danielle Leblang popped out to shortstop Brittany Danilov to end the inning.

Bettura tossed a two-hitter, striking out eight Lions, as Canfield posted a 2-0 victory to earn a date Saturday at noon against Akron Hoban (24-2) or Southeast (21-5).

Melissa West’s two-out double in the fifth inning scored Rachel Melewski with the Cards’ first run. Mandy Moliterno’s sixth-inning double and Lauren Sulick’s RBI single produced the other score.

That was enough for Bettura who has allowed just one run in her last three tournament games.

“It was rough,” Redig said. “We just couldn’t hit her.”

Canfield coach Ronie Haurin agreed.

“Tricia was firing hard all night,” Haurin said. “Our defense is really solid so that when they do get a hit we seem to [strand them].”

Bettura, a four-year varsity pitcher, has been backed up by Danilov, Halfhill and West (third base) since she was 12. Groundballs in sticky situations don’t faze her.

“They are amazing,” Bettura said of her experienced infield. “I wasn’t even worried when there was a runner on third and one out. I don’t even look back when the ball is hit [them]. I just get ready for the next pitch.”

West, who will play for Bowling Green next season, said, “Getting out of that tough situation gave us momentum.”

The Lions (24-4) also had their leadoff batter reach third base in the sixth inning. Deana Bonacci drew a five-pitch walk and two sacrifice bunts sent her to third. Bettura struck out Alex Cribari to end the threat.

The Lions’ only other baserunner came in the seventh on Olivia Forte’s two-out single. Krebs struck out to end the game.

Melewski’s speed triggered the Cards’ offense in the fifth inning. With one out, Melewski decided to bunt and pitcher Kristi Janoske’s (19-3) throw to first pulled Krebs off the bag.

“The third baseman was playing back so I felt that bunting it down third was my best option to get on,” said Melewski, a three-year starter. “I thought I was completely safe because her foot was off the bag, but when they asked the home plate umpire, I was little anxious.”

Melewski stole second base right before West hit the ball over center fielder Dani Ramos for a double.

West said her goal was connect with “anything close to the plate. I didn’t want to be caught with strike three looking.”

In the sixth inning, Moliterno hit a one-out double. Courtesy runner Cara Cupler scored on Sulick’s base hit.

West admitted that Bettura told her before the game that she was nervous.

“With Tricia, you can never tell when she’s nervous,” West said. “But her nerves are good nerves, they make her pitch even better.

“I have the most faith in her to get out of anything,” West said. “Bases loaded, bottom of the seventh, two outs 3-2 count — I know she’ll strike the girl out.”

West and Halfhill were starters on Canfield’s basketball team that played in the regional final at Barberton two months ago.

“You never get used to regional, I still get nervous,” West said.” With one more game, we’re so close. We want to make it to state but it’s a tough game coming up.”

williams@vindy.com