SECTION IV SOFTBALL: SIDNEY PREVAILS IN PITCHER'S DUEL; BLANKS WAVERLY, 2-0, IN CLASS B QUARTERFINALS (15 PHOTOS) (2024-05-21)
Valley Sports ReportWAVERLY — Postseason softball is normally all about pitching.
On Tuesday, Waverly senior Olivia Robinson was very good in the circle, but Sidney’s Ava Cirigliano was even better in the 12th-seeded Sabers’ 2-0 win over fourth-seeded Wolverines here in the quarterfinals of the Section IV, Class B playoffs.
"Robinson pitched a beautiful game tonight; probably her best game," said Waverly coach Brent Doane.
"Our bats went quiet though," noted Doane. "(Cirigliano) handled us top to bottom, and we missed our opportunity in the third inning.
"She threw a very nice game at us," he added.
Robinson and Cirigliano traded zeroes through four innings, each allowing just one hit.
Waverly had the best scoring opportunity in the home half of the third inning, loading the bases with one out. Freshman Hannah Carpenter then ripped a line drive that was snared at third base, and turned into a double play as the runner at third was tagged out trying to get back to the bag.
Sidney broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth, thanks to an infield single, a bunt single, and a dropped pop-up to take a 1-0 lead.
The Sabers added a run in the sixth inning on back-to-back two-out hits to extend the lead to 2-0.
Cirigliano pitched around a one-out double by Carpenter in the sixth inning, and retired the final five batters she faced to preserve the win.
Cirigliano allowed two hits, while striking out nine and walking two in seven scoreless inning to record the win.
Robinson allowed two runs - one earned — on five hits, while striking out five and walking none.
Carpenter doubled, and sophomore Maddie Cron singled to account for Waverly's two hits.
Waverly wraps up the 2024 campaign at 10-7.
Robinson, Faith Blauvelt, and Kailee Purvis are the only seniors on the squad.
"We will really miss our seniors," said Doane. "They are really good teammates.
"Liv Robinson's experience and pitching will be sorely missed," he noted. "Olivia truly saved her best for last.
"We wish them all the very best as all three of our seniors graduate," added Doane.
The Wolverines return nearly en tact for 2025.
"We will return our starting lineup, minus our ace in the circle (Robinson), so the future is bright for Waverly softball," said Doane.
"I am hoping this group will dedicate themselves to the upcoming off-season," he added.
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IN PHOTO 1: Waverly’s Olivia Robinson. … PHOTOS BY MIKE LUBERTOWICZ.
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