By Jeff Odom
The Wharton softball team is heading back to the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons.
The sixth-seeded Wildcats (12-8) won their first two games in the Class 8A-District 7 tournament with upsets over No. 4 Plant 6-4 in 12 innings in the quarterfinals and over No. 2 Bloomingdale 3-2 in the semifinals before falling 5-0 to the top seed and event host Durant in the tournament finals April 19.
It is the first time Wharton has made the playoffs since 2006 when it was also a district runner-up.
“The girls really came together and made it happen for their team and their school,” said Wildcats coach Ashlee Cappucci. “(They) worked together as a family and we respect Durant, and they’re always a tough opponent. Hopefully, we’ll see them again later on.”
The Cougars (19-8) raced out to a quick 4-0 lead in the finals, thanks to a three-run third inning started by Shannon Bell’s solo home run. Heavy rain moved over the field, forcing umpires to suspend the game and resume it the following afternoon.
When play continued, Durant had a runner on third base with two outs. Wildcats pitcher Makeleigh Dooley quickly retired the side and kept the run from coming across to score.
“She’s an amazing pitcher, works hard and is very passionate,” Cappucci said. “Our defense had backed her up, but they still had some shots. (Durant’s) a great hitting team.”
The Cougars added another run in the bottom of the fourth as Payton Lewis doubled home Bell to make it 5-0.
Wharton had its own chance to put runs on the board by getting runners to first and second base in the fifth and to third base in the sixth, but Durant pitcher Paige Davis thwarted any hope of a comeback.
“It’s exciting, but also disappointing, because we were expecting so much from our team,” said Wharton centerfielder Kassidy Kujawa. “It just didn’t happen, and the pieces didn’t fall into place.”
The Wildcats travel to Palm Harbor University April 25 for the regional quarterfinals at 4 p.m.
