After Liberty Bealton snatched the lead in the top of the third inning on a 2-out 2-run double, Louisa needed an answer in its Region II quarterfinal. The Lions immediately responded with a pair of 2-run doubles their own. With the defense on point and pitcher Brianna Cox hitting her spots, the spree in the bottom of the third proved to be enough as Louisa marched on to the semifinals 5-3.
“We were down a little,” said Lions coach Dan Barrett. “We had a little adversity there but a couple of big hits with runners on and then a couple of big hits from beginning and the middle of our lineup to get the momentum back on our side. After that, defensively, for the most part we settled down and played really well. It was nice to see the girls respond that way after going down two runs.”
Louisa enjoyed a good start by going up 1-0 in the bottom of the first thanks to single from McKenzie Riner followed by an RBI double from Cox. But Liberty equalized things in the top of the second on a leadoff walk, single and RBI double-play ground out.
In the top of the third, the Eagles claimed a 3-1 lead on a single, error and 2-run double from Sadie Rynestad. Liberty’s lead did not last long.
“We knew that we were going to have to score right away because (Liberty) was not going to give up,” Riner said.
The Lions 4-run rally in the third began with single from leadoff hitter Hali Goad. Riner then put two runners in scoring position with a double. In the next at bat, Cox brought home both runners on a 2-run double to tie the game.
“I just wanted to follow McKenzie and get her in,” Cox said. “We needed to score those runs and then be able to open up the gap. Everyone was hitting tonight was which was nice, that’s really exciting when it’s not just the top of the lineup.”
After a single from Brittany Wratchford, Crissy Cromer put the Lions out in front for good with a 2-run double of her own.
The next four innings belonged to Cox and the defense behind her. Liberty had just three base runners from the fourth inning on and just one more hit. In the sixth with one out, centerfielder Kate Chisholm made a diving play that drew a rise out a healthy crowd.
“She made a nice play there in centerfield, that could have been a momentum changer right there,” Barrett said. “She came in, made the diving play and that pretty much put that inning to rest.”
Cox finished the game giving up just 3 hits and struck out three batters.
“She kept the batters off balance, keeping them mostly to ground balls,” Barrett said. “They had a few hard hit balls but for the most part when then put the ball in play we were able to play defense behind it. If we continue to do that, we’ll have a good chance to beat just about anybody.”
Louisa (21-3) needs just one more win to advance to the Group AA tournament. With the weather playing a problem throughout the rest of the Region, the Lions will find out if they travel to Woodgrove on Thursday or play host to Loudon County. That semifinal game with be played on Thursday.
