Members of the Madison and Bucksport softball teams lineup for the national anthem prior to their Class C state title matchup on Saturday, June 17, 1017. Photo by Chris Lessner.
BREWER, Maine- MaKenzie Smith roped a two run single in the fifth inning, and Katelin Saunders allowed just two hits and struck out 13, as the Bucksport Golden Bucks softball team rallied past Madison 2-1 in the Class C state title game Saturday at Coffin Field. The title was the fourth in the past six years for Bucksport.
The Bulldogs broke on top first in the third inning. Aishah Malloy grounded to shortstop to begin the inning. The ball was fielded by Bucksport shortstop Darian Jellison, whose throw was wild, and allowed Malloy to reach second. Saunders then struck out Ashley Emery, and forced Whitney Bess into popping up a bunt attempt to third baseman Hannah Ashmore for the second out. Madison starting pitcher Madeline Wood helped her cause though by hitting a ground ball RBI single to score Malloy and make it 1-0 ‘Dogs.
That lead would hold until the bottom of the fifth inning. That is when the Bucks bats came to life. Four straight hits for Bucksport should of produced at least a run, but some pickoffs by the Bulldogs would null that chance. Smith got her chance with the bases loaded and two outs after an intentional walk to Madysen Robichaud. Smiths line drive to right got just under the glove of Madison right fielder Emily Edgerly to bring in two runs and proved to be the game winning play. When asked if she felt any pressure in that situation Smith said, “I felt quite a bit. I knew I had to go up there and hit it or frankly freak out. I was saying please drop in. I knew they would be ready for anything, and I was ready for her (Edgerly) to catch it”.
Saunders allowed only one other hit after the Wood RBI, a leadoff double by Bess in the top of the sixth. Saunders had at least one strikeout in each inning, and struck out the side in the first two innings. The Bucks had been held to just one hit until the five hit fifth. When asked about the pressure of being down a run in such a big game early Saunders said, “You know you have to pull through, hit your spots, and that’s what we did today. Don’t let your guard down”.
Madison finishes a great season with a record of 18-2. Wood also threw a good game in the circle, allowing just two runs on six hits with two strikeouts and three walks in six innings. Bucksport finishes 20-0. Coach Mike Carrier commented on adding another trophy to the case, “They all feel good. I don’t get as excited. I still do inside. I don’t run around like a fool like I used to. I am here for the kids and they did a good job this year”. When asked about the early offensive struggles Carrier added,”We weren’t getting onto it, but we were making contact, and I knew it was just a matter of time before they got their timing up. She is a good pitcher, she is really tough. They can walk Madysen all day if they want to, but then they got to face MaKenzie and that young lady can hit the ball hard”.
MAHS (18-2) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0- 1 2 3
BUCKS (20-0) 0 0 0 0 2 0 x- 2 6 0
Saunders and Smith, Wood and Emery
WP- Saunders LP- Wood
