Ithaca’s softball team saw its 2011 season end with a 2–1 walk-off loss to Keuka College in the NCAA Division III regional championships this afternoon at Kostrinsky Field. It was the second time in three days the Bombers fell to the Storm.
After Sunday’s games were postponed because of rainy weather and wet field conditions, the Bombers began play at noon today and were stopped again in the first inning because of rain. They were down 1–0 early after an RBI single from Storm senior first baseman Sara Fredericks drove in junior catcher and first baseman Sara James, but got the run back in the second inning when freshman designated player Jackie Branco scored on an RBI groundout from senior pitcher and third baseman Allison Greaney.
Greaney allowed just four hits, throwing a complete game in the circle. But the Storm’s rally in the bottom of the seventh inning was all they needed to earn the chance to face Messiah College in the tournament finale. James led off with a triple and freshman pitcher and outfielder Brook Lovell had the game-winning single that put the nail in the coffin for the Blue and Gold.
The South Hill squad finished with an overall record of 30–14 and made a record 24th appearance in the NCAA playoffs this season.
