By Ted Waddell
PINE PLAINS — June 8, 2007 — In Thursday afternoon’s Section IX Class B softball semifinal between the visiting Sullivan West Lady Bulldogs and host Pine Plains, the team from Dutchess County prevailed by a final score of 10-4.
Fifth-seeded SW (8-10) jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Ginger Pierce reached on an error and then advanced to second base on a passed ball.
Pierce moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Jenn Pitz. Stephanie Meyer and Kristen Niemann then drew walks to load the bases.
Rachel Houghtaling walked to score Pierce with the Lady Bulldogs’ first run of the day.
Cara Davies singled to drive in Meyer with the second SW run.
Sarah Lander hit a fielder’s choice. Seconds later, Niemann and Houghtaling both crossed home plate on an error to give the Lady Bulldogs a 4-0 advantage.
But Pine Plains (20-5) grabbed the lead by scoring five runs in the bottom of the second.
The Lady Bombers added two runs in the third, two runs in the fourth and a run in the fifth.
Pitcher Abby Harpp earned the win for the Lady Bombers, while SW pitcher Sarah Lander was tagged with the loss.
“The first inning was rough, but then Abby [Harpp] settled down,” Pine Plains Coach Les Funk said.
“The Sullivan West kids are tough,” he added.
SW Coach Mike Ellmauer said his players didn’t get the hits they needed to in order to win the game.
“Pine Plains is a quality team,” he said. “We had our opportunities, but a few things failed us.”