MacArthur Softball Advances with Playoff Win Over Oceanside

It was a cold, drizzly afternoon Monday, but the Lady Generals varsity softball team didn't let the weather dampen their spirits as they powered through a competitive seven innings to come out with a 6-4 win over Oceanside.

The score was tied at 3-3 in the third inning, and the playoff matchup looked like it could have been anyone's game.

Pitcher Kristen Brown took control of the mound in her complete-game outing, but she also helped her own cause with a hot bat on offense.

Starting off the bottom of the third with a hard-hit double to left field, she then swiftly stole third while third baseman Emily Lyons worked the count to a walk. Kate McNamara was up next, and the crafty catcher tapped a bunt that scored Brown while she safely reached first.

First baseman Michelle Cozza hit a grounder that got her out at first, but she advanced the runners to second and third. Left fielder Briana Lombardo followed with an infield hit to third base that tied up Oceanside's fielders and left all runners safe with the bases loaded. 

Oceanside's pitcher struck out right fielder Kristen Daly, but walked designated hitter Kaitlin Fitzsimmons, bringing home a run. Second baseman Krissy Gay hit a ground out to third to end the inning with the Lady Generals up 5-3.

Oceanside came back swinging in the fourth, with a big triple to right-center field and two blasted singles, but the Generals got out of the jam after giving up just one run. Brown ended the inning with a strikeout.

The Lady Generals couldn't find their bats that inning, and Lyons was the only one to make it on base with a walk before three outs were made.

The fifth inning started with a running catch by shortstop Jenna Cozza and after a sloppy play that resulted in a runner on first it ended strong with a double play.

MacArthur threatened in the bottom of the fifth with a bloop single by Lombardo, smart base running by Rebecca Gula and a walk for Daly, but they were unable to score.

Oceanside went down in three consecutive outs in the sixth, as Brown continued to lead the team with poise and determination.

The Lady Generals scored one more insurance run in the bottom of the sixth, as Cozza walked and Brown followed with a double to center field.

They defended their lead as Oceanside got their bats ready for the last time, striking out the first batter and throwing out the next two at first to end the game with a win and advance to the next round of the playoffs.

In spite of the win, head coach Bob Fehrenbach said his team did not play their best.

"We're lucky to be going into another game," he said. "We didn't play well, but we survived, and I guess that's the name of the game."

Brown was feeling better than her coach after the victory.

"I'm confident going into the next game," Brown said. "If we all do what we're supposed to do, I think we can go all the way."

The Lady Generals are scheduled to play at Mitchel Field on Thursday at 4 p.m. against either East Meadow or Mepham.