The Morris Hills Softball team knew going into their game on Thursday afternoon that victory would set up a thrilling group final on Saturday against their rivals, Morris Knolls. They had to first defeat a strong Sparta squad, though, who had previously made noise by upsetting top-seeded Ramapo in a previous game.
Gabi Heim pitched for the Spartans, while Zoe Turner took the mound for the Scarlet Knights. With ERAs under 2.00, both pitchers promised an intense matchup, and they delivered.
In the first inning, Morris Hills got things started. Theresa Brown took advantage of a situation when runners were at the corners with two outs following a walk and an error. With her hands behind her, she hit an RBI single into right field to give the Scarlet Knights a quick lead of 1-0.
It was answered by Sparta’s offense in the top of the third inning. Error and leadoff single placed runners on second and third with no outs. The game was tied after Alexia Hill grounded into a fielder’s choice, and the Spartans took a 2-1 lead after Alexis Arpino’s double off the wall. Holly Lagitch doubled up the runner at first base after making an incredible catch on a soft liner from Heim, bringing the inning to a dramatic close.
After then, both pitchers settled into a groove and dominated the game into the sixth inning. As the game moved into the seventh inning, Turner and Heim together gave up just two hits, keeping the intensity high.
Alexa Berry gave Sparta a one-out single in the top of the seventh, but Turner got the next two hitters out swiftly, denying Morris Hills a final opportunity to rally. Freshman Holly Lagitch, who had earlier hit a walk-off single against Montville, came to bat with two outs and runners on second and third. Lagitch hit a single into right field on her last pitch, scoring two runs and giving Morris Hills a thrilling 3-2 victory.
The victory sets up an exciting matchup between Morris Knolls and Route 46 in the Group Three championship on Saturday. The victor will move on and get the year’s worth of local bragging rights.
Notable Players- Zoe Turner:
Turner pitched a perfect game, giving up only one earned run and struck out eight Spartans to earn the victory. Her effort was essential to keeping the lead and winning.
Holly Lagitch
The rookie has established herself as Morris Hills’ go-to bat in key situations. Lagitch has three singles, two walks, and three RBIs in the last two state tournament games; all of those hits have come in the seventh inning, when the Scarlet Knights have secured the win.
The Next Round of the Rivalry
Morris Knolls has dominated their recent meetings with Morris Hills, taking home five straight victories, including a commanding 13-1 triumph in April. Given her recent performance, it appears that Zoe Turner will give it her all in the championship match. Leah Kleczkowski of Morris Knolls, a pitcher with a 1.93 ERA, will be a tough opponent. During the five innings of their previous match, Kleczkowski gave up just one run while striking out five to secure the victory.
The match on Saturday looks to be a fierce and exciting battle, with both clubs keen to establish their supremacy and earn a trip to the next round. The return of the rivalry between Morris Hills and Morris Knolls on the softball diamond promises to be an intense contest.
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