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The Belleville softball team lost their regional game against Cambridge on May 24th, 2-7.

Cambridge came out swinging in the first inning, with back to back base hits, a passed ball and two errors, which allowed them to score three runs. Belleville was able to contain Cambridge until the sixth inning when they, “erupted for four more runs,” explained Coach Connie Wunschel. “Their #4 batter led the inning off. We had her at one ball, two strikes when a pitch was left over the plate that the batter sent over the fence for a solo home run. That put them ahead 4-1. The next batter made the first out on a line shot to Tara Hanna at short stop, but back to back errors and a hit batter, followed by a base hit allowed them to score three more, and what amounted to be insurmountable for us.”

Offensively, Belleville had six hits and committed only one error.

“Our first run was in the fourth inning, with a lead off double by Cassidy Heller. The left fielder then threw the ball beyond 2nd and Cassidy was able to advance to 3rd. Tara then was able to hit a base shot to left to score Leah Hanna, who courtesy ran for Cassidy. This cut their lead 3-1 and gave us a fighting chance, until the top of the sixth when they scored,” said Wunschel. “Our other run came in the bottom of the sixth. On one out, Cassidy had a base hit to left of center. After the next batter got out, and Leah moved to 2nd on a passed ball, Tara had her second hit that scored Leah from 2nd. Miranda O’Rourke followed with her own base hit to move Tara to 2nd and both were able to move a base on a wild pitch, but we couldn’t get them across for a score.”

Cassidy Heller took the loss on the mound, striking out five, walking one, hitting one, giving up seven hits and three earned runs.

Belleville finishes third in the Capitol South, with a conference record of 4-11, and an overall record of 7-16.