The Versailles Republican Sports
June 11, 2009

'09 Lady Indian extended season hopes denied after controversial call

Gary Franklin, Sports Writer

The Milan Lady Indian softball team found new life in their come from behind opening regional game after recently graduated Teri Hawkins drilled a shot over the right centerfield fence for a solo home run, tying the game at two in the fifth inning.
The team emptied from the dugout and the Lady Indian fans rose to carry the team over the remaining two innings to a 4-2 victory over the Lapel Lady Bulldogs.
Also advancing to the championship game were the hosting Indianapolis Scecina Lady Crusaders, after they had defeated the Shenandoah Lady Raiders 2-1.
A tough battle ensued between the Lady Indians and the Lady Crusaders, with neither willing to give in to the other and allow a run.
Then it happened, a believed to be foul ball by Lady Indian catcher Alex Poole careened from home plate up the third base line foul to the front of the Crusader dugout. However, "the clinker", so to speak, was that the umpire said it was not a foul ball but a called third strike which allowed the runner on second base to score when Poole did not retrieve the ball.
Walla, the Lady Crusaders captured a 1-0 lead off the controversial play, then later in the game added a second run off a double up the center that could not be collected in time by the Lady Indians to stop the runner from scoring.
The Lady Indian hopes of advancing ended 0-2 to the Lady Crusaders.

GARY FRANKLIN PHOTO A happy '09 Milan Lady Indian softball team celebrates their 4-2 "come from behind" regional opener over the Lapel Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, June 6, at Ind. Scecina.

GARY FRANKLIN PHOTO Pictured from left are Milan Lady Indian Assistant Coach Josh Cumberworth, pitcher Arielle Noel, home run hitting Teri Hawkins and Kandice Carson as they return to their dugout following the HR knotting the Milan/Lapel game at two.