Cards rode the big bat of freshman Susie Rhodes to first WCAC win of the young season
After losing the season opener to nationally ranked Bishop O’Connell, the Cardinals turned it around in extra innings Saturday against the Mustangs of Bishop McNamara. With a strong offensive performance from freshman Susie Rhodes, the squad came from behind to notch their first win of the season and even their record at 1-1.
After spotting the Mustangs two runs on fielding miscues in the first inning, the Cardinals settled down. Debbie Ward started a 4th inning rally with a lead off triple and was driven home by Meghan Pearson. A Katie Kiesner walk and double by Susie Rhodes put the Cardinals ahead 3-2.
In the next half inning, however, the Mustangs came back to tie the score. McNamara threatened again in the 6th inning but a strong one hop throw from right fielder Kathleen Walsh allowed catcher Meghan Pearson to apply the sweep tag at home plate to end the threat.
Heading to extra innings tied at 3, a lead off single by Katie Kiesner was followed by a 2 out triple by Susie Rhodes to put the Cardinals back on top. Fellow Freshman Heather Pearson’s base hit sent home Rhodes in what would prove to be a crucial insurance run. The Mustangs were not finished and staged a furious rally in the bottom of the 8th. After cutting the lead to one and with the tying run in scoring position, pitching stand out Micki Crouch cranked up the heat and struck out the final batter, recording her 9th strikeout of the afternoon.
“The girls played well, but most importantly really showed what they were made of. After getting behind, they rallied back twice and then played sharp defense to win the game,” said head coach Terri Pearson on the season’s first victory.
Bishop Ireton returns to action when the Panthers of Paul VI Catholic invade Alexandria on Monday, First pitch for both varsity and JV games are 4pm, varsity at Luckett Field, JV hosts the Panthers at Hensley Field.
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