Broad Run Softball Moves On to Finals

By Matt Brooks (Contact)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

RADFORD, Va. — Through 5 2/3 innings of Saturday's Virginia AA state semifinal matchup between Orange and No. 7 Broad Run at Veteran's Field in Bissett Park, the two-time defending state champion Spartans couldn't figure out Hornets starting pitcher Michalah Sacre.

The sophomore allowed just one hit and three base runners, while striking out nine of the first 18 batters she faced. So when Broad Run first baseman Jenn Soroka stepped to the plate with runners on second and third in the sixth, she wasn't looking to clear the bases - she just wanted to get her bat on the ball.

With a compact swing to combat Sacre's fastball, the junior blooped a single over the third baseman's head that trickled to the edge of the outfield grass, scoring Haley Johnson from third to give the Spartans the breakthrough they needed and propel them to a 2-0 victory and a third straight appearance in the state championship game.

"I was just looking to make contact, in all honesty," Soroka said. "I wanted to make sure that my hands didn't dip under the ball, because popups are outs. It was going to take a line drive to get the run in."

Through most of the game, Sacre and Broad Run senior pitcher Judy Betz battled back and forth. Sacre struck out five of the first six hitters she faced while Betz tallied two strikeouts in each of the first six frames. Both mixed their pitches well, relying on overpowering fastballs, and both finished with two-hit gems.

The difference was Johnson's two-out grounder that caromed off Sacre's shin and was mishandled by the shortstop, starting Broad Run's rally. Sophomore Maggie Betz drew a walk and both runners moved up on a passed ball, setting up Soroka's RBI single. On the next pitch, the Spartans executed a delayed steal with courtesy-runner Alba Crues going to second and drawing a throw that allowed courtesy-runner Angela Rush to score their second unearned run.

Judy Betz was brilliant for Broad Run (21-3), giving up a single in the second and a double in the third before locking down the Hornets (21-5) the rest of the way. Despite allowing base runners in all but one inning, she struck out 13 while walking four.

"It helped me to see my teammates in there fighting for the plate," Betz said. "I saw that the team was fighting and they're doing all they can. They're going to be there for me, I've got to be there for them."

The wins haven't come as easily for the Spartans this season - they've played 12 games decided by three runs or fewer. But with Betz in the circle, a strong defense behind her and timely hitting, Broad Run Coach Ed Steele said he likes his team's chances.

"We're going to have to bring the A-game again, but believe me, I think when these kids come [Sunday], they're going to be ready to play," Steele said. "You can't guarantee wins, but I guarantee you they'll be ready to play."

Notes: Broad Run will face Tuntall (23-0), which outlasted Patrick County, 3-2, in eight innings in the other semifinal, at 1 p.m. Sunday at Radford. The game will be a repeat of last year’s final, which the Spartans won, 4-0. ... The Spartans have four straight 20-win seasons.

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