Dateline: May 19, 2005

Clarendon girls stun Marfa in playoff blowout

By Sandy Anderberg, Clarendon Enterprise

It only took five innings for the Lady Broncos to flex their muscles and leave Marfa wondering what went wrong at the 1A Regional Quarterfinals in Big Spring last Friday. 

The Lady Broncos not only defeated the young team 12-2, they did so by taking advantage of the 10-run rule to end the game early and earn the right to play in the next round of post-season play. 

Senior Destiny Weatherton slammed two over-the-fence homeruns to help the Lady Broncos to their win.  The slugger also went 4-of-4 at the plate that included a single, a double, and five RBI’s. 

According to head coach Gary Jack, several Lady Broncos had good hits and each player contributed to the win. 

“We scored every inning,” Jack said.  “We took control from the start, and we had several big hits.  Haley (Shelton) hit to get on base and then got a stolen base.  She got our first score when Destiny hit a double.” 

Several other players followed suit in the next inning as Amina Abdullah hit and scored, and Sarah Depew’s triple to right field earned runs as well, putting the Lady Broncos up by three in the second.  The third inning proved big for the maroon and black as they put more numbers on the board. 

“They got two quick outs on us,” Jack said.  “But then Kaitlyn Howard and Amina Abdullah got on base, and Jamie Simmons knocked a run in, and Sarah Depew scored as well.” 

The Lady Broncos ended the game in the fifth inning when Laura Dziedzic hit the ball through the infield to score a runner and stop the game.

If the Lady Broncos played great offense, their defense was awesome as well. 

“Our defense played really well,” Jack said.  “We were very solid on the field.  Haley pitched great for us.  She had four strikeouts and no walks. Kristin White was solid at third base, and Kaitlyn made some good scoops at first.  Shanna Shelton was good behind the plate, and Jamie Simmons did a good job for us.  We were just very mentally prepared for the game; we took control from the start.”

The Lady Broncos will take on defending state champions Windthorst Thursday, May 19, at Vernon College in Vernon at 5:30 p.m.  A win there would send the Lady Broncos to the next level, which is the final step before a trip to the state tournament.  They will take on the winner of the Haskell and Clyde-Eula game at a time to be announced. 

“We are 16-4 on the year,” Jack said.   “And we are one of sixteen teams still left in 1A.  A win against Windthorst would be great.”