Errors doom Archbishop McCarthy softball team in state tournament debut
Archbishop McCarthy softball enjoyed a breakthrough season.
The Mavericks finally overcame longtime foe Pembroke Pines Charter and made it to the state final four for the first time.
McCarthy thought it had carried some of that magic to state, striking quickly in its first ever inning played at state.
But the Mavericks committed a pair of costly errors in that initial frame, which led to five unearned runs and eventually a 5-2 defeat against Gainesville in a Class 5A state semifinal at Legends Way Ball Fields in Clermont, Fla.
McCarthy’s bats, which had been prolific throughout the regional playoffs, were held to one hit by Gainesville freshman ace Leanna Bourdage, who went the distance, struck out 14 and walked four.
“That pitcher for Gainesville was excellent,” Archbishop McCarthy coach Jeanne Ferrier said. “We took advantage early, but we made some unfortunate errors. We knew we’d have a tough time hitting her. She’s got a great career ahead of her.”
The Mavericks (16-6), who had never advanced past the regional semifinals before this season, scored twice in the first off Bourdage.
Junior Sienna Garcia recorded the Mavericks’ lone hit with a first-inning double and came around to score on a sacrifice bunt by Chantalle Guillou. Izabel Baron walked and scored in the first as well.
Garcia was also sharp in the circle, striking out 11 over seven innings and allowing six hits and one walk. Garcia did not give up an earned run, but errors led to all five runs for the Hurricanes (24-4), who advanced to play Parrish Community School for the Class 5A state title on Friday.
In the third inning with McCarthy clinging to a 2-0 lead, a fly ball to center field was dropped, allowing Gainesville to tie the game at 2. Another outfield error in the fourth allowed the Hurricanes to take the lead for good.
“It wasn’t for lack of effort,” Ferrier said. “I’m not sure if it was a lack of focus but five unearned runs shouldn’t have happened.”
Despite the loss, Ferrier’s squad took solace in the fact that this season might be a building block for future trips to state.
The Mavericks lose only two seniors, although one is one of their top contributors in pitcher/first baseman Chantalle Guillou, who was hurt last fall and pitched only eight innings this season.
Garcia stepped into the role of starter in the circle for McCarthy and did a solid job leading the Mavericks with a 10-5 record, 116 strikeouts and a 1.02 ERA heading into Thursday’s game.
“Sienna Garcia has really carried us this year,” Ferrier said. “She had to step up both at the plate and in the circle. She kept the ball down and threw well today.
“We started slow this season, but we thought we had the potential to get to state. I hope we can get back again next year.”
