Windham varsity softball falls in 14 innings to Biddeford in state semifinal

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s Lady Eagles varsity softball enjoyed an incredible year going 14-2 in the regular season and powering through the postseason playoffs, but narrowly came up on the short end of a 3-2 score in a 14-inning defensive matchup against Biddeford on Saturday, June 12 at Doran Field in Biddeford.

Windham gave it everything they had plus a lot more in the Class A South semifinal.

Junior Ellie Miller slides into third base during Windham's Class
A South semifinal softball playoff game against Biddeford on
Saturday, June 12 at Doran Field in Biddeford. Windham lost, 
3-2, in 14 innings ending the Lady Eagles' outstanding season.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLLA

The game was scoreless for 12 innings, but Windham put two runs on the scoreboard in the top of the 13^th inning. Biddeford responded by tying the game and late in the 14^th inning, Biddeford scored and advanced to the Class A South championship game with a 3-2 win.

It had all led up to this moment. When the Lady Eagles stepped onto the field against Biddeford, their energy was sky high. Windham was ready; nothing proved that more than what was about to happen that sunny Saturday afternoon.

At every opportunity after seven innings that Biddeford got to end the game, Windham freshman pitcher Brooke Gerry, along with the entire team, shut them down. Windham often ended innings with Biddeford runners stranded on base.

“There’s no giving up in this team,” said Windham coach Fred Wilcox. “When the cards are stacked against us ... they fought all the way. For a young team that’s a great trait to have because ... that’s the type of softball we’re going to play in the future. They’ll learn from this; they’ll come back strong next year and I can’t say enough about Brooke (Gerry), the kid’s just unbelievable.”

In the bottom of the 10th inning with two outs, Biddeford loaded up the bases. Nerves and excitement were high. Gerry’s pitching struck out the batter and ended the inning with Biddeford leaving the bases loaded.

The tie-breaker, a rule to bring the game to a conclusion, had gone into effect in the top of the 13^th inning and Windham junior Amanda Foss was placed at second base. After Gerry bunted and was out at first, Foss advanced to third. Sophomore Ella Wilcox crushed a line drive to left field. Foss made it home.

After a walk, Wilcox got to second on a passed ball. Senior Ellen Files singled to center field and Wilcox scored on the throw to home. Windham now lead 2-0. Biddeford responded in the bottom of the 13th with two runs to tie the game.

In the bottom of the 14^th, the tie-breaker rule put Biddeford’s runner on second and Biddeford scored on a passed ball.

“We keep going until the end,” said Gerry. “We don’t ever give up; we stay strong through it all.” Gerry said as the innings continued she just took it pitch by pitch.

Wilcox said that two of the best pitchers in the state kept two very good offenses down. They put on a fantastic game and did a great job. <