By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Out of force of habit, Webster Schroeder head softball coach Meaghan Keil cobbled together a challenging 2022 schedule for her Warriors. On Saturday evening, Schroeder reaped the benefit of that difficult ledger.
Just don’t tell Keil that her team’s season will end soon.
Tournament MVP Molly Broccolo hurled a complete game as Schroeder defeated crosstown rival Webster Thomas, 6-2 in the Section V Softball Class A1 championship game.
The title was the second straight for Schroeder which defeated Fairport in the AA game a year ago.
“We didn’t have the opportunity last year to move on to state championships,” Keil. “I just really think…I think we were rolling. I don’t think we’re done yet.”
Who could question her.
Saturday’s win was the 10th straight for Schroeder which hasn’t lost since April 30th – and that setback came to Abington Heights, a state contender in Pennsylvania.
“We returned 10 players from last year’s team. We’re just good. They work hard, and they want to get better. They’re fun to be around. I just feel like we got the whole package. We got pitching. We got catching. We can hit, and we can field.”
Leadoff hitter Mikayla Bengsch finished 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two runs scored. The junior third baseman sparked the offense in the first with a single. Hannah Secor, and Madison Spakoski singled and drove in Bengsch to give the Warriors a lead they did not surrender. Secor came home on a Bizzie Baglieri sacrifice fly for a 2-0 lead.
Thomas is the only Section V team to get the better of Schroeder. And that was a 1-0 decision – one of four one-run losses on the season for Schroeder (18-5).
“Emotions are always high when we play them. The girls play travel together. They know each other. Sometimes a loss does you good, at the right time obviously. It gives you time to regroup and grounds you a little bit. I think we had a little bit of complacency, and then we realized we’re not invincible.”
Broccolo, a University of Rochester commit, struck out four and allowed seven hits in the win.
Krislyn Clement connected on a two-run home run in the third for a 4-1 lead.
“She’s crushing the ball. She’s letting the game come to her instead of putting so much pressure on herself. She doesn’t need to swing hard. She’s got so much strength and so much power. She’s up there loose and relaxed. She hits the ball 220.”
Bengsch and Haley Kucewicz added a run apiece in the sixth inning.
Schroeder will play Class A2 champion Pittsford in the NYS Far West Regional qualifier.
Molly Sweeney singled and scored in the third for Thomas. Ruby Marrapese walked and came home on an Anna Bello double.
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