Lady 'Cats' postseason run ends in districts

MINFORD — The postseason run of the Whiteoak Lady Wildcats came to an end on Tuesday as they were held to three hits and no runs against Waterford for a 5-0 loss in their Division IV SE District semifinal game in Minford.

Waterford scored their runs with two in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the seventh for the five-run win.

WHS finishes the season at 6-18 overall, with a sectional championship.

"We had our opportunities in this game but made numerous mistakes on the bases and missed some costly signs," WHS head coach Bret Malone said. "We end the season with much-needed confidence. No one expected us to win a tournament game, let alone win a sectional title. The girls were more focused the last two weeks of the season, and it showed.

"The girls played better and together more than the rest of the season, and I believe this tournament run will make them hungrier for a better season next year."

Waterford hit two solo home runs against WHS in the fourth inning. Waterford's Reed hit a ball up in the zone out to left-centerfield, finishing with a home run and a sacrifice. Also for Waterford, Pugh hit the other home run.

In the fifth inning, Tolson singled with one out and was sacrificed to second base by Neslein, who reached on an error.

Reed sacrificed both runners over a base, and Offenberger hit a grounder which, was misplayed by the Lady 'Cats, and eventually both runners scored.

In the sixth inning, Waterford had two runners on, but the WHS kept them from scoring with a put out at third and a strikeout.

In the seventh inning, Neslein was hit by a pitch, and she stole second and scored on a double by Offenberger. Offenberger was subsequently picked off at second base by Sosby and Caitlyn Arledge for the final out.

At the plate for the Lady Wildcats, Kiley Sosby, Mikayla Burns and Molly Oliver each had one hit, with Sosby gaining a double. Burns and Kelsey Oliver each drew a walk, and Burns also had a stolen base.

Sosby was charged with the loss in the circle. The freshman pitched seven innings, allowing five runs (two earned) on seven hits and no walks. She wrapped up the game with 12 strikeouts and one hit batter as she faced a total of 32 batters.

WHS finished with five errors.

"Kiley held them scoreless in the first three innings, and our defense was good," Malone said. "The girls gained valuable experience and hopefully play ball this summer. These ladies improved tremendously throughout the season, both defensively and offensively.

"They spent countless hours in practice working and did not quit. I am proud of these ladies and how they improved during the season."

BOX SCORE
WHS 000 000 0 — 0
WAHS 000 220 1 — 5