Berwick wins big in playoff opener

The fifth inning was the pivotal point of No. 14 Berwick’s first-round contest with No. 19 Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy.
While Berwick held a comfortable 7-0 lead, the Lady Swamp Owls scored three runs in the top of the fifth inning to make the score much more manageable.
However, Berwick (16-10) erupted for five runs in the bottom of the fifth, and added a run an inning later for a 13-3 run-rule victory in six innings.
In the top of the fifth inning with two outs and the bases loaded, Camryn Johnson hit a bases-clearing double to left field to cut the deficit to 7-3.
In the bottom of the frame, Bronwyn Colbert tripled to lead off the inning, while Lily Eues followed with a double to score Colbert. Eues scored later in the inning, while Bryleigh Dehart’s infield single scored another run for a 10-3 advantage.
Mikah Ortiz’s double off the left field fence and Ashlynn Fitter’s infield single each brought home another run for a 12-3 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the game ended via run-rule when Berwick’s Anna Vaccarella laid down a bunt with two strikes on a squeeze play that scored Maggie Lemoine from third.
“We had three shots at it, and normally people back off with two strikes and we didn’t,” Berwick Coach Joe Russo said adding it is something they practice and will bunt whenever they need to, regardless of the count.
Berwick had 10 hits. Ortiz led the squad with three hits, including two doubles. Colbert had a triple, Eues and Vaccarella each had a double and Fitter had two hits.
Colbert earned the win as she surrendered three runs on five hits with six strikeouts.
Colbert is “just such a good competitor,” Russo said.
“I am just so proud of that kid,” he said.
Russo also credited the defensive play of Ortiz.
“Hats off to her and a lot of the other ones who made great plays today,” he said.
Berwick will continue postseason play Wednesday when it travels to face No. 3 Jena at 4 p.m. Jena advanced after run-ruling No. 30 Carroll 16-0 in three innings in other first-round action Monday.
Patterson falls
The Patterson Lumberjills’ season came to an end as the squad fell on the road to No. 8 South Beauregard 14-3 in five innings Monday in Class 3A Bi-district softball action.
“Last night was a tough loss,” Patterson coach Chasity Toups said. “This season was tough, period. Our schedule was one of the most challenging schedules I’ve ever had as a coach. It takes a toll on the players, mentally, and that was our biggest issue. Softball is more mental than it is anything else. It’s a game of failure. You will fail more than you succeed. Any player willing to play softball has to be mentally tough.”
Toups said her team is heading in a more positive direction, though.
“My pitcher, Rylie Chaisson, is a sophomore, and she gave all of these teams a run for their money,” the coach said. “I’m looking forward to her future along with those coming back with her. We have a lot of work to do this off season, for sure. You get what you work for, not what you wish for.”
No individual stats were available from Monday’s contest.
Patterson finishes its season with a 6-15 mark.
South Beauregard improves to 19-14. The squad will continue postseason play Wednesday when it hosts No. 9 Brusly. Brusly advanced after defeating No. 24 St. James 9-4 Monday.
Tigers fall
The Morgan City Lady Tigers’ season came to an end as the squad fell to No. 10 Belle Chasse 16-1 in four innings on the road Monday in Class 4A Bi-district playoff softball action.
No individual stats were available.
Morgan City finished its season with a 5-17 mark.
Belle Chasse improves to 11-12. The squad advances to the regional round where it will travel to face No. 7 Eunice Wednesday at 5 p.m. Eunice advanced to the second-round after defeating No. 26 Eleanor McMain 18-0 in three innings in other first-round action Monday.