Suwannee softball went out fighting. The girls traveled to West Nassau, in Callahan near Jacksonville to play in the second round of the regional championship. The final score was 0-1 reflecting the tough battle Suwannee fought and ultimately lost. “Suwannee can be proud of how they played defense. The girls played hard and did a great job,” said assistant coach Jan Schenck. “It was a great game and it was a tight game all seven innings. Suwannee came away with only three hits and West Nassau had five. The team can be very proud of making it to the “Sweet 16″ Regional semi finals.”

The first inning was uneventful. Lea Schenck was on the mound for the Lady Dogs.

In the second inning Schenck hit a single but was left on. Schenck sent three batters in a row back to the dugout, striking out one. At the end of two, it was 0-0.

Suwannee suffered some rough moments in the third inning. West Nassau’s lead off batter walked with one out. The number-two batter singled to put two on base. With two runners on, the third batter hit a sharp fly ball to Deanne Wainwright who made a great catch and a great throw to Al Cash at third base, keeping the runners at first and second. The next batter was intentionally walked loading the bases.

The first four batters for West Nassau were their best hitters. The number-five batter grounded to second. Katie Smith made the throw to Ross for out number three, and still no score for West Nassau.

In the fourth Schenck singled for the second time, and behind her Jenna Jordan hit a single. But both runners were left on and the score was still 0-0.

West Nassau had no luck either in the bottom of the fourth. The first batter flied out to Ross and Schenck struck out the next batter. The third batter grounded out to second base. Smith fielded the ball and made the throw to Ross for the last out of the inning.

Suwannee was unable to get on base in the top of the fifth. But West Nassau was able to score their only run of the game in the bottom of the inning. The score went to 0-1 and stayed that way for the rest of the game.

Suwannee’s season is over, but the Lady Dogs had the best season ever under coach Jeff Smith, assistant coach Frank Johnson and assistant coach Jan Schenck. Look for great things from these girls next year. Go Dogs!

Janet Schrader-Seccafico may be reached by calling 1-386-362-1734 ext. 134 or by emailing janet.schrader@gaflnews.com.