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Catholic Memorial rallies to capture the Division 2 state title

07/01/2021, 10:15am CDT
By Norbert Durst

The Catholic Memorial Crusaders softball team knocked off a pair of unbeaten teams at the state tournament to claim the program's first WIAA state title in their first trip to state. 

The fourth-seeded Crusaders scored two runs in the top of the seventh to overcome a one-run deficit and defeat previously unbeaten Baldwin-Woodville, 5-4, in the Division 2 state championship game. 

Catholic Memorial's two runs in the seventh were driven in by pitcher Abby Smith, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs in the win. 

The Crusaders also got strong offensive play from catcher Cassie Smith (2 hits, 2 runs, RBI) and third-baseman Taylor Cain (3 hits, RBI). 

In the circle, Smith scattered 11 hits and allowed four runs (all earned) while striking out five and not issuing a walk. 

Catholic Memorial finishes the year with a 21-9 record. The Crusaders defeated previously unbeaten and top-seed Jefferson in a state semifinal. 

Baldwin-Woodville pitcher Morgan Smetana allowed five runs (four earned) on nine while tallying seven strikeouts and walking three. 

The Blackhawks, which were ranked No. 2 in the WFSCA/WSN Coaches Poll all season, finish the year with a 22-1 record. 

State Semifinals

Catholic Memorial knocked off top-seed and previously unbeaten Jefferson, 4-3, in a D2 state semifinal. 

The Crusaders took a 3-2 lead in the top of the fourth inning and added a run in the top of the seventh inning. 

Jefferson had the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the seventh before Catholic Memorial pitcher Abby Smith ended the game by striking out first-baseman Julia Ball. 

Catcher Cassie Smith collected three hits and added a pair of RBIs for coach Brian Johnson and the Crusaders. First-baseman Amelia Menheer also drove in two runs for Catholic Memorial. 

In the loss, Jefferson pitcher Claire Beck finished with 13 strikeouts while allowing four runs (all earned) on eight hits with just one walk. 

Jefferson, which was ranked No. 1 in the WFSCA/WSN Coaches Poll all season, ends the year with a 26-1 record. 

Baldwin-Woodville defeated Marinette, 4-1, in a D2 state semifinal to advance to a state final for the fourth time in program history. 

Morgan Smetana was dominant in the circle for the Blackhawks, finishing with 18 strikeouts and allowing just four hits and a walk in the victory. 

The hitting attack was led by third-baseman Ashley Fuffer and right-fielder Marney Roemhild, who each collected two hits. Fuffer added two runs and an RBI while Roemhild drove in two runs and scored another. 

Marinette pitcher Sydney Nemetz tallied 10 strikeouts while allowing four runs (all earned) on nine hits in the loss. 

The Marines finish the year 20-6 overall. 

Tag(s): News Archive  News  Norbert Durst  Playoffs