By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
The Chapman Lady Irish battled to the final pitch but came up just short in the 4A state quarterfinals, dropping their showdown with Rock Creek 4-1.
All four of Rock Creek’s runs came in to score on just two plays, an error that netted two runs in the second, and a two-run shot by Bryanna Zoeller in the third that put the game out of reach early.
Chapman outhit the Lady Mustangs 6-3 on the day, but struggled to find the timely hits needed to match Rock Creek on the scoreboard, stranding six runners throughout.
The Lady Irish did get on the board in the fifth on a Jai Rogers RBI single that scored Kennedy Scholz, but it would be their only run of the game.
In the circle, Olivia Harold pitched well for the Irish, allowing just two earned runs on three hits, walking three and striking out two.
Opposite Harold, Bryanna Zoeller also pitched a gem, giving up just the one run on six hits, allowing only one walk and striking out three.
The Lady Mustangs advance to the 4A semifinals to tangle with the defending champs in Fort Scott.
For Chapman, another fantastic season draws to a close at 23-6.
You can watch today’s game on demand below.