No-no state softball tournament for J-Hawks
MARSHALLTOWN - Pain, tears, and disappointment filled the eyes of the Jefferson softball players Thursday night after the J-Hawks came up short in their Class 4A regional final game against Dowling Catholic.
The J-Hawks lost 2-0 in eight innings, making it two years straight that Jefferson (32-8) came up short of a state tournament appearance.
“We had a great year, the girls really overachieved,” Jefferson Coach Larry Niemeyer said. “It is too bad it had to end this way.”
Jefferson ace Hannah Petersen and Dowling ace Demi Plathe came ready for a battle. Petersen, who has been stellar all year, was again a force to be reckoned with, allowing just six hits in eight innings.
Plathe was better. Despite pitching 16 innings the night before in a 3-2 semifinal win over Marshalltown, Plathe stifled J-Hawk hitters en route to a no-hit shutout.
“I knew it would be a tough game,” Niemeyer said. “I have seen her four or five times. She is tough.”
For seven innings it looked as if no one would ever score as both teams struggled to get runners on base.
Last Updated on Thursday, 14 July 2011 22:15
