The Ponte Vedra softball team beat Clay High School 2-1 on Tuesday in a nail-biter of a game.
The action began with Clay pitcher Morgan Crutcher retiring the Sharks’ first three batters in 11 pitches, then advancing with one run scored on an error in the first. Crutcher continued to hold the Sharks with five strikeouts, despite being pummeled by two line drives to her shin. She delivered 19 first-pitch strikes and a stymying change-up, but she had some help. Clay’s shortstop Kylee Stacy and left fielder Morgan Silvis saw bold action, squelching hard-hit grounders and line drives by Scotland David, Catherine Beaton, Bailey Wagoner and Michelle Holder. But Ponte Vedra’s pitcher, Michelle Holder, suddenly picked up steam, drawing outs by Bailey Wagoner at third, Michelle Leone at short, Catherine Beaton at second base and a brilliant pick off by catcher Tara McGee to Leone in the sixth.
Holder’s biggest asset of the evening, however, aside from her own two strikeouts and pitch placement, was Scotland David in center field, scooping no less than six line drives with two diving catches worthy of the pros. David collected two hits for the evening, the second of which happened in the sixth inning behind Tara McGee, who reached first on an error.
Then came Michelle Leone with a line drive to right field that scored McGee and left her on base with David at third. Caught in a pickle between third and home, David made it safely back to third, and while attention diverted to Leone, David slipped home to oust Clay from the lead.
Ponte Vedra’s only other hit was delivered by Olivia Zitiello in the seventh to no avail. The Sharks’ pitching and defense were too much for Clay, going down 2-1 on only two hits by Stacy and Casie Carlisle.
Ponte Vedra advances to the next round on Thursday, facing Ridgeview at Clay High School at 7 p.m. Ponte Vedra and Ridgeview split wins versus each other this season.
For photos from Senior Night on April 25, visit pontevedrarecorder.com.
