Lady Trojans edge Lady Vikings in extra frames

Submitted by admin on Thu, 03/27/2008 - 16:26

By: LANCE REED

Sports Editor

It took 11 innings, but the girls of Sacred Heart found a 3-2 victory over the Lady Vikings of Opelousas Catholic. It was a breath-taking game in Opelousas. The two squads played with great confidence and showed their durability throughout the contest.

The Lady Vikings took the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Back-to-back errors set the stage for the OCHS girls. A throwing error led to the score.

The 1-0 lead did not last long for Opelousas Catholic. The ladies of Sacred Heart responded with two runs in the top of the third inning. Shelby Fontenot drew a walk after battling through a full count. A sacrifice bunt from Danyelle Fontenot moved the runner over to second base. Shortstop Samantha Davenport (2-4, 3 SB) drilled a single. One out later, Courtney Ramirez (2-5, 2 RBIs, DB) laced a double, pushing Davenport and Fontenot home.

Sacred Heart’s 2-1 lead lasted until the fifth frame. OCHS’ Megan Briley reached base on an error and scored on a single from Alexis Miller. The 2-2 score would last for the next six innings.

Both squads missed chances to score as the contest went on. Sacred Heart had a runner at third with two outs in the eighth inning. Opelousas Catholic got a runner thrown out trying to steal third base in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Lady Trojans got a leadoff single from Sarah Dupre in the ninth inning, but were unable to push her across the dish. With two outs, Davenport stood firm on third base in the 10th inning, but was not able to score.

However, the 11th inning would prove to be the difference maker in the contest. Dupre reached base on an error and moved to second on a sacrifice from Kinzey Franks. Dupre found the plate when a ball hit by Anne-Marie Fontenot could not be handled properly. It was only the second error committed by the Lady Vikings, but it proved to be the costliest.

Sacred Heart held on to win the contest. Logan Hebert retired OCHS in order in the bottom of the 11th inning. She went the distance, fanning 11 batters and allowing just four hits and one walk.

Sacred Heart continues to battle for second place in District 6-2A. Pine Prairie is in first place. Mamou is in second place by one game. The Lady Trojans will travel to Westminster Saturday and then host Port Barre Tuesday. They are currently 5-3 in district and 11-7 overall.