BREWER– The saying goes, “defense wins championships.” The Brewer Witches softball team proved that theory correct again on Wednesday afternoon at Coffin Field.
The Witches took advantage of five Oceanside errors and played flawless defense themselves to defeat the Mariners 6-2 in the class B North regional final.
Brewer (19-0) got off and running quickly when Kathryn Austin ripped a two run single in the first inning. The Witches had the bases loaded and no outs. Oceanside pitcher Chloe Jones struck out two Witches before the big hit from Austin.
“Kathryn (Austin) is a sophomore. That is what I like about this team. The older girls embrace the younger girls coming up,”Brewer coach Skip Estes said .”Defensively and offensively she (Austin) had her best game and it was the championship game, it was unbelievable.”
Austin added, “I knew I had to do it for my team.”
Libby Hewes allowed two runs on eight hits. She cruised through the first six innings with no runs. Oceanside got three hits and both of their runs in the final inning. Hewes struck out three and didn’t walk a batter. She didn’t need a big strikeout game thanks to the outstanding defense behind her.
“Our defense has been incredible all season long. I didn’t expect anything else this game,”Hewes said. “We go out there with a whole lot of confidence defensively.”
Estes coached the Witches to a regional title in 2008. They will get to play the 2018 final on their home field on Saturday afternoon at 4 PM against Greely.
“Our defense is pretty strong,”Estes said. “In my 13 years this is my strongest defensive team.”
While the Witches were flashing the leather, they also took advantage of mistakes from their opponent to score six unearned runs.
“If you make mistakes they are going to make you pay for it,”Estes said. “They have a very high softball IQ.”
Kenzie Dore reached base three times, including two hits, one double, and one run scored. Dore also took care of six grounders at shortstop. Becca Gideon has two hits, while Austin reached base three times. Jayden Keefe put down a beautiful bunt to score a run in the fourth inning.
Hannah Moholland had two doubles to lead the Mariners offense. Jessica Watkinson had two hits, including a double, RBI, and stolen base. Jones allowed six runs (none earned) on two walks (both intentional) and seven strikeouts.
