NTL SOFTBALL: WYALUSING FALLS TO MUNCY IN D4 SEMIFINALS (2022-05-24)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
WILLIAMSPORT — Wyalusing’s Jenelle Johns had one of her best pitching performances of the year, but it wasn’t enough as the Rams managed just two hits in their 3-0 loss to Muncy during the District IV, Class AA semifinals Tuesday.

Muncy hurler Nolah Moyer retired 21 of 23 batters she faced, throwing a no walk shutout as she struck out 11.

“It was funny, we hit the ball hard a couple times, but we just couldn’t seem to get enough of it,” said Wyalusing coach John Loomis. “But credit to the girl, she pitched very well.”

Johns struck out five with seven hits, four walks, and three earned runs.

“Our kid, Jenelle, hasn’t pitched in a week, and she’s playing with a hurt ankle,” Loomis explained. “I’m going to tell you why that was a gutsy effort from her, because I know the kid played in pain. She did a great job.”

Allie Liddick (1-for-3) had a double, while Sydney Friedlander (1-for-3) also had a hit. Laci Norton got a hold of the ball a couple times, including a long fly-ball to centerfield, but nobody else was able to record a hit.

After threatening in the first, Muncy got on the scoreboard in the second as a miscommunication in the outfield allowed a fly-ball to drop with two outs, with the Indians scoring to take a 1-0 lead.

Muncy looked to score in the fourth, and sixth innings, but Johns pitched out of jams in both.

In the seventh Taylor Shannon hit a 2-out, 2-run home run to make it 3-0.

In the top of the fourth Liddick hit a 1-out double into the right field corner. Norton followed that up with a long fly ball that would sent the Muncy centerfielder to the wall to make the catch. The Indians would get a third out to end the threat.

Then in the sixth Friedlander hit a 2-out single but was stranded at first base.

Despite the loss, Loomis was proud of how his team performed during the season.

“We’re really proud of them,” said Loomis. “We honestly didn’t expect them to have a good season, and they wound up having a great season.”

He pointed out senior, Laci Norton’s contributions to the team.

“I thought she really took control of our team as far as being a leader,” said Loomis. “She demonstrated that on the field, and getting the kids before pregame, getting them up, and I thought she was a real spark plug for us. Hats off to her.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Wyalusing’s Allie Liddick makes contact on her double…PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING