NCHS softball wins Big 12 title after beating BHS

 

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 6:34 PM CDT

By Daniel Makarewicz

NORMAL -- Bob Grimes initially wanted to take the risk, but an accurate relay throw caused the Normal Community High School softball coach to hold the runner at third.  It proved to be the right call.  With a chance to score the game-winning run with two outs in the seventh inning on Tuesday, Grimes stopped pinch runner Robin Golembeski from advancing home. Three pitches later, Kimmy Hassel smacked an infield single to score the run and give the Ironmen their first Big 12 Conference title since 2006 after a 1-0 victory over Bloomington at the NCHS field.

“All year long, it seems like somebody will come up with a big hit,” NCHS coach Bob Grimes said. “And I liked our chances better with a runner at third. I do think it was the right choice.”  Facing a 2-0 count, second baseman Katie Lutes lofted a shot to the right-field corner. After taking off with the pitch, Golembski aggressively made the turn at third, only to see the stop sign.  “I looked at the throw,” said Grimes, whose team improved to 24-2 overall and 11-1 in the Big 12. “The girl had the cut-off throw just as Robin was getting to third. I thought, ‘Well, if she makes a great throw we’re out by six feet.’ She did make a great throw.” 
With the pressure now on Hassel, the junior center fielder remained patient.  “I was looking for my pitch …” Hassel said.  With a 1-1 count, Hassel swung and hit the ball toward the pitching circle. Even though BHS pitcher Chelsea Batty had her momentum carry her toward the plate, she still made an attempt to field the ball.  The ball grazed Batty’s gloved and dropped between the circle and second base, allowing the run to score without an attempt.  “I was really relieved,” said Hassel, who finished 2-for-4 with a double. “I kept hitting the ball at girls so it was nice to get one through.”

The Purple Raiders (24-5, 10-2) had a chance to take a lead in the top half of the inning, but the inability to execute a sacrifice bunt forced a leadoff walk to get stranded at first.  “I think the game changes when you can get runners into scoring position,” BHS coach Kat Mason said. “It’s unfortunate that we didn’t give ourselves an opportunity. I’m sure that’s one inning we’d like to get back and do over.”  NCHS hurler Megan Nonnemacher allowed two hits and had 15 strikeouts. At one point, Nonnemacher had eight consecutive outs via the strikeout.  “Almost all the pitches were working for me,” she said.  Nichelle Harrison and Bethany Baker each had singles for the Purple Raiders.