WYSOX — It was a classic pitcher's duel in Wysox, and in those type of match-ups sometimes one hit is all the difference. That's how it was for Montoursville as Kayleigh Sheleman solo home run was enough to lead them past Towanda, 1-0, during the quarterfinals for the District IV, Class AAA Softball playoffs.

It was scoreless through five when Sheleman hit a 2-out home run to right field.

The Knights had their chances - they got two runners in the first and Payton Perry led off with a single in the third, and even reached third base with no outs, but three straight strikeouts from Julie Friel ended the threat.

Towanda never had a better opportunity to score after that.

"That's kind of like the story of our season," Johnson said about leaving runners on base. "Big games we get runners in scoring position, but we just can't make a play to get them in. Tunkhannock, Athens, NP-Liberty, this one - we don't get that clutch hit that gets the run that we need."

Molly Roberts (2-for-3) had a multi-hit game for the Knights as Perry (1-for-3), Maris Cobb (1-for-3), and Brynsen Vargason (1-for-3) also had hits.

Leila Cobb struck out 12 in the loss with one walk, and five hits, while on the other side Friel also struck out 12 with no walks, and the five hits.

"We had an excellent season," Towanda coach Dan Johnson said. "It's been almost 15 years since we've won 14 games in Towanda softball. It didn't finish the way we wanted it to, but it's a great season other wise."

Cobb was recognized for her 200th strikeout after the game. 

"She's had a phenomenal season," remarked Johnson. "I don't know if anybody in the NTL has pitched better than she has."

— —