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Big fifth inning helps Mathews top St. Thomas Aquinas
By DAN HINER
KENT
The Mathews softball team entered the top of the fifth inning down 1-0 to St. Thomas Aquinas in a Division IV regional semifinal. But a six-run inning was the difference in the Mustangs’ 6-3 victory Friday.
St. Thomas Aquinas catcher Isabella Sherban gave the Knights a 1-0 lead after hitting a two-out solo home run in the bottom of the third.
But the Mustangs’ bats came alive in the fifth.
Mathews opened the inning with a single by second baseman Emily Derkach. Two batters later Derkach scored on a throwing error by Knights third baseman Hailey Hawkins to tie the game at 1.
Mustangs shortstop Paige Sponsler gave Mathews a 3-1 lead after driving in two runs in the next at-bat. Sponsler doubled to right-center field to drive in left fielder Grace Simon and center fielder Bailey Hall.
“I just knew that my team needed me to get those runs in and I didn’t want to let them down,” Sponsler said. “I just came in swinging and was hoping to knock it somewhere green.”
Mathews’ last three runs of the games scored following a string of errors by St. Thomas Aquinas. The Knights committed four errors in the inning and allowed four hits.
Sherban hit another home run to center field, a two-run shot and her second of the game, to cut the lead to 6-3 in the bottom of the seventh. St. Thomas Aquinas (15-12) got no closer.
Sherban went 4 for 4, scored twice and drove in three runs.
Mathews (21-7) moves on to meet Lucas (21-6) in a regional final at noon today at Kent State. Lucas beat Hillsdale, 2-1.
The Mustangs’ Nicole Watts played a dual role, starting the game as the pitcher while also being listed as the designated player.
Watts pitched a complete game allowing eight hits and four walks. She struck out three.
Mathews head coach Jim Nicula said it wasn’t Watts’ best performance but she powered through a tough start and gave the Mustangs a chance to come back late in the game.
“She limped all day, but not in a bad way,” Nicula said. “She gave us all she had and it just wasn’t her day, some days you’re gonna have that. She’s a senior. My other pitchers are good in their own right, but team chemistry goes around what you’re feeling at that time.
“She kept us in the game, getting enough ground balls and fielded her position wonderfully. She’s very smart and knows to get lead runners and knows all those things. Despite not having her stuff today, I thought she pitched a great game.”
Nicula and Sponsler said the experience of the Mustangs’ starting lineup has helped them throughout the postseason. Nicula said it’s easier to be trailing by a couple runs when your lineup consists of eight seniors and juniors.
Nicula said the team has a workman-like mentality, but he said the players need to appreciate the experience of playing for a regional title and a chance at state.
“It’s a boost of confidence. You’re getting a chance to advance to play in a state final four,” Nicula said. “I told them that energy itself should make you just about to explode with confidence, fun and enjoyment.”