E.D. White softball breaks drought, returns to state with win over Haynes Academy
For the first time in seven years, E.D. White softball is going to state.
The fourth-seeded Lady Cardinals (23-8) took an early lead against No. 5-seed Haynes Academy (20-7) on Thursday night, and although the Yellowjackets staved off the run-rule — forcing all seven innings to be played — the outcome was never in doubt.
After three runs scored in the first, EDW plated five in the second and three more in the third, leading by 10 runs as late as the fourth inning. Lady Cardinals ace Shelbee Gros allowed three HA runs in a complete-game effort, sealing the win with her 19th strikeout as E.D. White advanced to the LHSAA Division II select semifinals, 12-3.
Early controversial calls
The second of EDW's runs in the first sparked some controversy. On a base hit to the outfield, Emma Mahler attempted to score from second and appeared to be gunned down on a near-perfect throw. However, she was called safe. HA head coach Dawn Whitmer convinced all three umpires to talk over the call, but the ruling on the field stood.
In the top of the second, the same thing happened to EDW. Gros appeared to work out of a bases-loaded jam with a groundout to second base, but the batter was ruled safe, which allowed the first Yellowjackets run to score. Lady Cardinals coach Juli Dardar talked to the umpires, and again they convened, but again, the call stood.
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Gros' up-and-down night
While any win clinching a spot in the state semifinals is memorable, there were aspects of Gros' game on Thursday she'd probably like to forget. While she struck out 19 and allowed three runs in a complete game — even going 1-for-2 with two walks while driving in two runs at the plate — she also struggled at times with her command in the circle, walking nine batters.
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They said it
"I'm just so proud of these girls," said Dardar. "They worked so hard all year. They have a place in my heart I can't even explain. We haven't been there since 2017, this team reminds me of that team. They have the grit, the heart, and the determination. I just love these girls."
What's next
E.D. White will play in the semifinals in Sulphur on April 26.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: E.D. White softball returns to state with win over Haynes Academy
