First-inning deficit too much for QND softball team to overcome in sectional semifinal loss

ATHENS, Ill. — Only 13 pitches into the game, Quincy Notre Dame freshman hurler Caitlin Bunte found herself in a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam.

Buffalo Tri-City capitalized on it.

The Tornadoes erupted for six runs on five hits in the first inning, propelling them to a 13-4 victory in the Class 2A sectional softball semifinals at Athens Sports Complex and denying the Raiders the chance for revenge.

“It was a tough first inning,” said QND coach Eric Orne, whose team lost 3-1 to Tri-City in 10 innings in the sectional semifinals a year ago. 

The initial six-run frame, which saw 12 batters go to the plate, gave the Tornadoes (26-2) and the momentum they needed.

The Raiders’ deficit grew when two doubles led to two runs for the Tornadoes in the third inning and an 8-0 advantage.

In the bottom of the fourth, with the Raiders (24-9) down 9-0, Abbey Schreacke led off with a single and scored on an RBI single by freshman Alyssa Ley. Then, Raiders freshman Carlee Gilker pinch hit for Mackenzie Flachs and put a ball in play which drove in another run.

The defensive play of the night occurred in the ensuing half-inning. Flachs made a leaping grab over the center-field wall to rob Eastern Illinois University signee Daleny Chumbley of a home run. 

“It was by far one of the best plays in my 24 years I’ve seen, just an incredible play to go up and rob a home run in that type of game,” Orne said. “Fantastic.”

The Raiders tallied another run in the fifth to make it 9-3 when Bunte doubled and scored on an RBI groundout by senior Eryn Cornwell to cut the deficit to 9-3. Bunte and Cornwell both finished with two hits.

“I knew that it might be my last night so I just went up there with a clear mind and do what you can,” Cornwell said. 

Cornwell also entered to pitch in the fourth, and worked three innings while she only surrendered one unearned run. 

“I knew last year when we played them that they had a good lineup and we all had to be ready, “ Cornwell said. 

This time, it just wasn’t meant to be.

“I was proud of our kids, we kind of came around there in the fourth inning and played even with them,” Orne said. “They’re just a good team. They had a lot of momentum tonight.”