Eastern District softball: Churchland, Granby gain final

PORTSMOUTH 

The two best softball pitchers in the Eastern District were on Thursday at Churchland. 

Top seed Churchland’s Ashley Cornell tossed a three-hitter and struck out 10 in a 6-2 victory over Lake Taylor. 

Second-seeded Granby’s Chrissy Crawford followed with a two-hitter and 11 strikeouts in a 10-0 ouster of Wilson. 

That means both aces will pitch Memorial Day in the Eastern Region tournament quarterfinals against Beach district foes, but first they go head-to-head in Tuesday’s Eastern District tournament title game.

Lefthander Crawford, who missed the second half of last season after breaking her throwing hand tagging out a runner, is delighted to be healthy and performing in the 2008 post season.

“That made this win against Wilson that got us into the Eastern Region field more special,” Crawford said after limiting the Presidents to a pair of Ashley Barrix singles. “I was having a very good 2007 season when I got hurt and missed out on the rest of what could haven been a great year.” Crawford and the Comets led the Eastern District when she got hurt and faded in the second half.

“I missed a lot of workout time with the injury and lost 18 pounds,” said Crawford, who has won 11 of 14 decisions. “I’ve finally gained back most of the weight and gotten a lot stronger. The biggest difference this year is I’m more mature and handling tough situations better.”

She said her drop and fastball have both improved.

Against Wilson the drop was most effective, keeping hitters off balance throughout.

Kiley Ozmon and Courtney Rodgers combined for five hits and five runs batted in to pace the Granby attack.

In the opener, Cornell, the likely district Player of the Year, retired Lake Taylor in order in six of seven innings.

The Titans bunched their three hits, including a two-run double by Renee Holmes, in the fifth.

“The most impressive thing about Ashley is her composure,” Churchland coach Angie Archer said. “That was one of her best games, but she has been tough all year.”

Amanda Crouch led the offensive support for Cornell with three hits. Candace Rogers added two hits and a sacrifice fly.

Churchland won both regular-season meetings with Granby, including an 11-0 surprise on May 1.

“We swung at a lot of bad of pitches in that one and will have to hit much better to beat them in the title game Tuesday,” Granby coach Kristy Colli said.