Lady Bucks stun 4A ‘Shore in thriller, 1-0

By Bees O’Brien

JERSEY SHORE, PA- It was a classic David vs. Goliath battle in Jersey Shore on Monday afternoon. Bucktail, District IV 1A’s top ranked softball team was looking to prove that they belong among the district’s elite programs, while host Jersey Shore was looking to turn around a season that has seen some ups and downs along the way.

The Lady Bulldogs were coming off a huge win over previously undefeated Tri-Valley on Friday. Bucktail entered the contest on a 4-game win streak that has seen the Lady Bucks average a blistering 18 runs per contest.

Shore didn’t allow the visitors to score nearly that many, but it would only take one run for tiny Bucktail to pick up a stunning victory in the first meeting between the programs since the late 90’s.

The Lady Bulldogs found out quickly that this isn’t the same Lady Bucks program.

Jersey Shore starting pitcher Isabelle Engel was on target. The Lady Dog kept Bucktail almost silent and handled the district’s most dangerous offense with confidence early on. Engel silenced the Lady Bucks in order in the top of the first inning, but her counterpart Mak Wagner was just as lethal.

Wagner would be outstanding all day and toss a complete 7-inning shutout against a team that defeated state champions Montgomery a season ago and made the District IV 4A championship in 2022.

Jersey Shore would test the Bucktail defense almost every inning. Grace Lorson would rip a double down the third base line on a ball that would be fair by mere inches. With one out Wagner would strike out Kayleigh Herman and get Abby Haight to fly out to Lola English in centerfield. English’s running catch would stop the Lady Bulldogs attempt to score in the bottom of the second inning.

Matti Mason would lead off the top of the third inning by reaching by way of error, but Engel would force three straight pop outs to end the Bucktail rally.

Jersey Shore would threaten again when freshman Dani Miller would crush a single to left field, but Wagner and the defensive efforts of senior Haley Burrows would become a factor. The Lady Bucks would hold Shore scoreless through three innings.

Burrows was phenomenal at shortstop all afternoon for Bucktail. She constantly ran down balls in the hole that most players wouldn’t be able to run down. Her putout after putout kept the underdogs within striking range.

In the top of the fourth inning, Bucktail third baseman Eva Sockman would deliver a shot off Engel to right field, but just like the Lady Bulldogs, Bucktail was unable to cross the plate.

It wouldn’t be until the top of the sixth inning that the 0-0 deadlock would be broken. Lola English would deliver a hard-hit single to right field with one out on the Lady Bucks. Bucktail head coach Mike Poorman may have called the perfect strategic move with one his best hitters coming to the plate.

Mak Wagner, the Bucktail slugger would lay down a beautiful sacrifice bunt that would advance English to second base and the go ahead run. Freshman Eva Sockman would then deliver a laser shot up the middle that would score English from second to give her team the 1-0 lead. Makenna Stone would then single, followed by a Kendall Wagner walk. Engel would force a fly out to right field to halt the Bucktail rally.

Lynna Clark and her hard throwing would enter in relief of Engel in the seventh inning. Clark would retire Bucktail in order to give her team one last chance.

Wagner remained in the circle for Bucktail in the seventh. Emma Furman would walk to start off the Jersey Shore seventh inning. Jaymison Stellfox would pinch run for Furman and steal second. The tying run for Jersey Shore was within striking distance, but the Lady Bucks would not be denied on this cold and blustery afternoon.

Wagner would force a groundout to Eva Sockman to end the game and complete the stunner over Jersey Shore.

Bucktail improved to 6-2 and remained at the top of the District IV 1A standings, while Jersey Shore fell to 5-5 on the season.

Dani Miller, Grace Russell and Grace Lorson all collected hits for Jersey Shore, who now has the tough task of hosting both Central Mountain (8-2) and Williamsport (7-1) this week.

Eva Sockman led the charge offensively for Bucktail by going 2 for 3 with her sixth inning game-winning RBI. Kendall Wagner, Makenna Stone and Lola English all had singles for Bucktail, with English scoring the game winning run.

“This win ranks right up there with our two playoff wins to get to states.” Head coach Mike Poorman said following the game. “I always tell my girls that good defense and good hitting is how you beat a quality team.”

Now Bucktail will be home on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. First up is a meeting with Northwest (5-4), which will be broadcast on The Record Online starting at 4:30. Then Bucktail will face Benton (2-4) on Wednesday at home. Bucktail will hit the road on Friday with a contest against Millville (2-7) to round out their week.