LADY PIONEERS IN WVIAC CHAMPIONSHIP

(05/04/2009)

Leaanne Harris (2B) scoops up an infield
grounder, making the toss to first for the out.

By Drew Moody

Although details were unavailable late Friday night, a Parkersburg media source said the Lady Pioneers are still in the running no matter the outcome of their third game of the day still ongoing at at the time. However, it was eventually postponed and rescheduled to finish at noon Saturday.

Rain showers have caused delays throughout the tournament series being held at the Jackson Park complex in Vienna, West Virginia.

Morgan Elswick fires a throw to first
after snagging a grounder at third.

On Thursday the Lady Pioneers defeated West Liberty 2-1(seeded 10th) and Fairmont 6-1 (seeded 2nd). GSC was seeded seventh entering the tournament.

The Lady Pioneers committed no errors in either Thursday game. Mandy Parkulo pitched all but four innings of the day. Laura Childers pitched the first four innings against West Liberty.

Fairmont scored a run in the top of the fifth taking the lead 1-0.

Karly Eskew is called safe at third after sliding
between the legs of the Fairmont third baseman.

The Lady Pioneers answered when freshman Lacey Williams came to the plate in the top of the sixth with two outs. The bases were loaded.

Her base-clearing triple scored three runs.

Leanne Harris (2B) has been a strong hitter during the series as well.

And Karly Eskew's (SS) strength and speed has proved an invaluable asset in her base-stealing prowess.

The best-ever winning conference and season records of the Lady Pioneers softball program were shattered Thursday and their WVIAC legacy has not been finalized for the 2009 season as yet.

"They played hard, they played as a team," Coach Rick Moore said. "I'm proud of my kids."

Mandy Parkulo showed the WVIAC Tournament crowd why
she's one of the best pitchers in the conference Thursday.