The Cougars entered the semi-finals of the Northern Region Tournament facing their cross town rival, Westfield.  This would be their fourth and closest game against the Bulldogs this year. 

The Cougars were up first, and without disappointment, leadoff Emily Corridon singled to get on first and start things rolling.  A SAC bunt by Emily Krisanda moved Corridon over.  When Mandy Krage singled to center field, Corridon was plated for the first run on the board.  Everyone watched Hayley French’s hit sail to center, but even the most difficult are monitored and caught with ease by Westfield’s CF Jackie Martinez.  Allison Davis retired all three Bulldog batters and the Cougars started the second leading 1-0.

Even with all three Cougar batters putting the ball into play, no one got on base in the second inning.  Unfortunately, untimely errors allowed Bulldogs to reach and score.  With two runs, and Bulldogs in scoring position, Kelsea Sinnett ran down a runner trying to take third, which ended the inning.  Westfield took the lead 2-1 at the bottom of the second.

Angie Noviello singled, Corridon then bunted to advance Noviello, and got on safely with her speedy wheels.  Noviello got picked-off on the steal, and then Davis doubled to score Corridon.  Westfield popped their hits in the air, and the Cougars caught them all to end the third even at 2-2.

No scoring opportunities presented in the fourth for either team.  No Cougar scoring opportunities arose in the fifth.  Westfield’s leadoff batter got a single and the next batter’s ground ball turned into a homerun 2RBI on a Cougar error.  Singles and errors loaded the bases.  With 2 outs, a full count, and loaded bases, Davis struck out Keona Gaines to end the inning.

Westfield subbed in pitcher Keona Gaines in the 6^th, and the Cougars could not get in scoring position.  Davis retired all three in the 6^th, and the Cougars entered the final inning trailing 4-2.

In the seventh and final inning of a great regional playoff game with 2 outs, Corridon singled.  Next, Krisanda singled, and they advanced to 2^nd and 3^rd.  The rain and hail was pouring down, tension mounted, but the runners could not get home.  The season ended with them stranded…..to be continued.  Stay tuned and check in for updates in March, 2012!

Other hits:  Singles by Hayley French, Abby Mills, and Emily Corridon (going 4/4 tonight). 

Pitcher Allison Davis struck out 6 batters in 6 innings.

Congratulations to the following JV players for participating in district and regional play:  freshmen Jaime Arbesfeld, Marleigh Hall, Alana Peters, and sophomore Rayna Rossini.

Congratulations to the following players for being named to Concorde's All-District first team in 2011:  junior outfielder Emily Corridon and freshman pitcher Allison Davis.  Also, congratulations to the following players for being named to Concorde’s All-District second team in 2011:  junior catcher Mandy Krage, sophomore short stop Emily Krisanda, and freshman second baseman Becky Cerva.

We could not have done it without our great team manager, Ashley Doran!  Thank you!