GLEN BURNIE — In last year’s Class 1A softball semifinal, Allegany defeated Mardela 1-0 on the way to a state title.
Tuesday’s rematch was nearly identical, except the Warriors (22-2) got revenge, winning 1-0 in eight innings to advance to the 1A championship game.
Last season, Abi Britton struck out 12 and scored the game’s lone run on a solo home run.
This year, Jordyn Sneathen did everything she could to try and match Britton’s performance of a year ago.
“It was an awesome game,” Allegany manager Dave Winner said. “Two good teams, great pitchers, Jordyn went pitch for pitch with her. They have a great team, but she basically shut them down. We had one tough break and a couple small mistakes. I thought we played an awesome game. That’s by far the best team we’ve played this year.”
Sneathen stranded a runner on third in three innings, a runner on second in the fourth and two in scoring position to end the sixth.
Sneathen’s final line was 7 2/3 innings with one run, three hits and three walks while striking out four.
“It just shows we got kids who got heart,” Winner said of Sneathen stepping up in a big moment. “They care, they all care. We’re gonna be back, I hate the loss but I feel good about the season. We gave them everything they could handle.”
The game’s lone run came in the bottom of the eighth.
An error on a bunt put the lead-off runner on and the ghost runner at third.
After an intentional walk loaded the bases with nobody out, Delaney Lynerd sent a fly ball to left.
Desi Hilton made a tough catch against the fence, but Abby Campbell scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly.
“You can’t have any errors,” Winner said. “That’s the difference, if you make an error and give them an extra base. It’s a small mistake and look what happens.”
The Campers (18-4) argued the runner didn’t tag third before leaving, but the umpires called the game over.
“It was a big time battle there,” Mardela manager Kory Shiles said. “Allegany came to play. Last year, they got us 1-0 on a home run in the first. Today, we got them on a sac fly bottom of the eighth. Two great battles two years in a row.”
Ava Twilley pitched eight shutout innings for the Warriors, allowing one hit and a walk while striking out 17.
“Ava was incredible today, that’s probably the best she’s pitched all year,” Shiles said. “She struck out 17, gave up the one hit, just phenomenal today.”
Allegany’s season and title defense came to an end, but history could repeat itself.
Entering the 2023 season as the 2022 state champs, the Campers fell to Catoctin in the quarterfinals.
It added an extra spark to the 2024 squad that went on to finish 22-0 with a state title.
“I’m proud of the kids, I’m so proud of them,” Winner said. “I love every one of them. They put their heart and soul into the season. The coaches are great, the parents are great. We’re gonna be back next year strong.”
Mardela advances to Saturday’s championship game against Catoctin.