MIDDLETOWN – Monroe-Woodbury’s quest for perfection moves on with a near-perfect effort.
Brianna Roberts took care of business in the circle, allowing one hit and striking out seven, while the offense banged out 16 hits. Emma Lawson’s fifth-inning double to left-center pushed across the decisive run as the unbeaten and state top-ranked Crusaders beat Warwick 12-0 in the Section 9 Class AA title game.
“I think they just brought their best game,’’ said MW head coach Penny Roberts.
Player of the game
Roberts doesn’t like pitching against her cousin, Brielle Rosario, and she was visibly frustrated for serving up a game-opening walk to Warwick’s leadoff hitter. She set down the next eight batter before giving up her lone hit of the game … to Rosario. Roberts finished with seven strikeouts, with only one struck ball finding the field of play outside the few feet along the right-field line. Roberts also had a single, double and scored once.
Turning point
Monroe-Woodbury wasted little time to take it to Warwick. Anna Paravati dropped a single in front of the center fielder to bring in the first run. Gabby Schaeffer ripped a single past the shortstop to plate two more for a 3-0 lead.
The first eight Crusaders reached safely in the third inning, chasing starter Jess Stuber. In all, Monroe-Woodbury hit five doubles in the inning, scoring eight runs for an 11-0 lead.
By the numbers
Monroe-Woodbury – Every starter collected at least one base hit. The Crusaders hit five of their six doubles in the third inning. Amanda Palmer hit a two-run homer in that frame. Emma Lawson went 3-for-4. Kelsey O’Brien drove in a pair. Gabby Schaeffer drove in four runs.
Warwick – Rosario had the lone hit for the Wildcats, a single to right field. It was the lone drive into the outfield. Losing pitcher Jess Stuber struck out one and gave up 11 hits.
Quotable
“It’s incredible. We’ve been working so hard all season. It’s just nice that our hard work finally paid off, but we’re not done yet.’’ – MW catcher Emma Lawson
Next up
Monroe-Woodbury – In the state tournament opener, the Crusaders will face the Section 1 champions on Wednesday at Arlington High School in Freedom Plains.
Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Monroe Woodbury Warwick Section 9 Cass AA softball championship
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