Canfield wins pool-play finale

— Softball —

Staff report

kirkland, Wash

The Canfield 13-14 softball team bounced back from two straight losses to win the final game of pool play Wednesday in the Junior League World Series.

Canfield’s first-inning run stood, as Kayla Troxil and Bridget Durkin combined to throw a three-hitter in a 1-0 win over Iloilo Little League of the Philippines.

Canfield fell to Tampa South (Fla.) and Kirkland (Wash.) Monday and Tuesday, respectively by a combined 26-4.

Their first two losses of the entire tournament could have been devastating, but Canfield (2-2 in pool play) maintained its resolve with the season at stake.

SDLqIt feels good,” Canfield coach Kerry Durkin said. “I wish we could’ve put a few more runs up, but a win’s a win.”

Ahead 1-0 after Ally Sammarco’s baserunning earned them a run in the bottom of the first inning, the pivotal play of the game swung Canfield’s way.

Iloilo loaded the bases with one out in the top of the second inning with two of its three hits.

Troxil struck out Jade Declaro swinging for the second out.

Pearly Lorca ripped a single to center, all but assured of tying the game. Canfield center fielder Maura Kennedy snagged the hard liner on the hop and fired a strike to second base, recording the force out before the run could score to end the inning.

The play fooled everyone except Canfield.

“They (the scoreboard crew) even put a run on the board,” Durkin said. “The umpire didn’t even know. What an awesome play.”

Durkin pleaded his case and eventually won.

Troxil threw four scoreless innings and Durkin gave up only one hit in the final three.

Declaro and Beverlyn Velasco held Canfield to two hits.

Sammarco was responsible for one of them. She singled in Canfield’s first at-bat of the game, stole second base, advanced on a passed ball, and beat the throw to home when Bridget Durkin put the ball in play one pitch later.

“What a great start, but that would be the only one we’d get,” Durkin said.

Canfield clinched the third seed in the knock-out stage with the win.