Spartans Finish Perfect 28-0, Win State Title
RADFORD, VA - History repeated itself Saturday at Radford University when the Broad Run Spartans closed out their second consecutive undefeated season, finishing 28-0 and as Group AA State Champions.
Led by a senior class that won 83 of their last 84 games, the Spartans stormed out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning when Karla Powell hit a hard line drive to the first base side, scoring Ashley Kramer from third. Catcher Haley Johnson then hit a screaming line drive to center that got over the head of Tunstall's Alyssa Daugherty, scoring Powell on a close play at the plate. Powell dove past the catcher Emily Atkinson and missed the plate, but quickly crawled back and touched safely before Atkinson could tag her. Powell said she knew she was going to make a run for home immediately.
"When Haley hit the ball to centerfield, I said, I'm going home no matter what," Powell said. "I saw the girl coming toward me at the plate with the ball so I slid around her. I had to crawl back to the plate and I'm thinking, no way am I going to get tagged out. I had to score to get the team pumped up."
Giving Broad Run Pitcher Caitlyn Delahaba a 2 run lead is like giving a thoroughbred in the Kentucky Derby a mile head start. Delahaba shut down the Tunstall lineup all day long, registering 15 strikeouts on the day, and completing her record 17th straight shutout on the mound. She also extended her national record of consecutive scoreless innings pitched to 160.
Broad Run added another run in the second inning when Anna Blessing scored to give the Spartans a 3-0 lead. The game remained 3-0 until the top of the 7th inning when Kramer hit a triple, then scored when the throw to third sailed over the third baseman's head. Kramer, who had a tough start to the game when she suffered a bloody nose on a play at the plate, finished with one of her better performances of her career. After the contest, Kramer said her nose was fine.
"I was staying down because my nose was gushing blood," said Kramer. "Everything is ok though, it was just kind of gross."
Broad Run led 4-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh with three outs remaining to capture their second state championship ring. The first hitter, Tunstall's Sara Smith, reached on an infield single to break up Delahaba's no-hitter. However, the Trojans couldn't capitalize on the hit and Delahaba closed out the side in the final inning to give the Spartans another state championship to add to their proud softball program. Spartan second baseman Michelle Clohan joined the Chick-fil-A post game show and said the second title felt great.
"I think it is sweeter the second time because I'm a senior, and this is my last game," said Clohan.
For senior Kaitlyn Tiplady, Saturday's win was very emotional.
"It is kind of sad for me because all of the other seniors are going on to play at the next level, so today was my last game," said Tiplady.
Tunstall's Brittany Arnn pitched well, but the Spartans locked in on her fastball early in the 1st inning, and their ability to hit the ball hard to the gaps proved to be the difference on the scoreboard. After the game, an emotional Delahaba said this was the perfect ending to a great run.
"I just think we have a great group of girls and to do what we did takes a special group of girls," said Delahaba. "I'm sure everyone on this team is going to remember this forever, and I'm just really excited."
It was the third state championship for veteran coach Ed Steele, who after the game shared some thoughts on his nationally ranked team.
"This is the goal we set, and we really set it for three years in a row," Steele said. "We failed the first year but got it last season, and this year, we were determined to do it again. These kids worked really hard and in the end, we were better and better as the season went on. I think we hit this game in our prime."
Steele has had great teams in the past during his tenure at Broad Run, but it would be hard to argue that this current squad isn't his best ever. With 57 straight wins and two championships under his belt, Steele said what he will miss the most is just being aound his team every day.
"I'm going to miss spending every minute with these kids, the moments they had out here were just a small part of the times we have spent together," said Steele. "I think I can speak for my assistant coach Morris and I when I say we just grow to love these kids."
With the win, Broad Run improved to 28-0 and can now make a strong argument for the national championship. They entered the day ranked 2nd nationally behind Aledo High School in Texas, who finished their season 38-1-1 as 4A state champs. The final rankings will be out next week and many in Ashburn believe they deserve the title of National Champions.
Editorial Note:
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