AACC Softball Takes Second Place in Nationals

The following article was submitted to the Broadneck Patch by Duane Herr, who works closely with the athletics department at  (AACC).

Anne Arundel Community College’s 2012 women’s softball team returns from Division III Nationals as the runner-up after an impressive performance in the tournament.

The AACC Pioneers (43-10) compiled a four-game winning streak to fight their way into the championship game before playing Gloucester Community College in a tough tournament final.

AACC opened the tournament on May 17 against sixth-ranked Ridgewater College (33-9) of Minnesota. The Pioneers and pitcher Elaine Nescio put together a strong performance holding Ridgewater to three runs, but Ridgewater held a slight edge holding AACC to two runs to earn the victory. Nescio pitched seven innings, allowing six hits, three runs while striking out nine. Nescio also added three hits including two doubles, one RBI and a run scored. Megan Kegley went two for three with a double.

Coming off of the first round loss, the Pioneers had to battle out of the losers bracket with a second round game against seventh seed Itasca CC (39-10). The Pioneer offense delivered from top to bottom producing three runs off of 10 hits. Nescio held Itasca to two runs off of four hits, striking out nine to earn the win for AACC. Nescio added two hits and scored twice. Amberly Holcomb,Jennifer Newman and Shelby Smith each drove in a run while Newman was a perfect three for three. Liz Cox added a double and Janie Thrift and Megan Kegley each had hits. Christiana Christofaro scored a run for AACC.

On Friday, May 18th, Anne Arundel played their third game of the tournament against #5 Herkimer County CC (36-4). The Pioneers shutout Herkimer with a 2-0 win to advance to the quarterfinals. Shelby Smith went three for three with a double and run scored. Courtney Strambler produced an RBI off of a hit. Janie Thrift drove in a run and Darah LaMarsh scored a run. Elaine Nescio earned the complete game victory allowing four hits while striking out 12.

In the quarterfinals on May 18, Anne Arundel would have to avenge their first round loss to Ridgewater College. It wouldn’t be an easy task, as the game would need extra innings to determine a winner. In 10 innings the Pioneers defeated Ridgewater 2-1 to keep their championship hopes alive. Nescio pitched all 10 innings to earn the win, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out 14 batters. Megan Kegley had a huge day at the plate finishing three for four with a run scored and a triple. Liz Cox added a double and RBI, while Amberly Holcomb, Darah LaMarsh, Shelby Smith, Courtney Strambler and Janie Thrift each added a hit. Thrift also scored a run.

With their victory over Ridgewater the Pioneers found themselves headed to the semi-finals against the tournament’s second seed, Tompkins Cortland Community College (33-3).

The Saturday afternoon game would determine who advanced to the tournament championship contest later that day. Elaine Nescio would earn her second complete game shutout of the tournament as AACC defeated Tompkins Cortland 2-0. Nescio surrendered two hits and struck out eight while adding a hit and RBI from the plate. Liz Cox belted her third double of the tournament and drove in a run. Amberly Holcomb went 1 for 3 scoring a run, Courtney Strambler added one hit and Megan Kegley had a hit.

Riding their tremendous winning streak, AACC made their way to the 2012 National Championship game against tournament top seed and defending Division III National Champs, Gloucester Community College (42-9).

Toeing the rubber for her sixth game of the tournament, Elaine Nescio was impressive, allowing four hits and one run in a seven-inning performance. Gloucester pitcher Kristina Morgan dueled with Nescio holding the Pioneers scoreless. The National Championship game did not disappoint, as the 1-0 final would end it all as Gloucester won their second consecutive D3 title and the Pioneers finished a remarkable tournament run with a second-place finish. Courtney Strambler led AACC with two hits in the game. Jennifer Newman and Nescio each added hits.

Three Pioneers earned All-Tournament team honors for their outstanding play throughout the tournament. Catcher Darah LaMarsh, designated player Megan Kegley, and pitcher Elaine Nescio brought home the honors. Nescio was also honored as the tournament's Outstanding Defensive Player.

Congratulations to the 2012 AACC women’s softball team for an outstanding finish to a superb season.

Duane Herr is a physical education and athletics assistant at AACC. You can contact him at dpherr@aacc.edu.