Softball

Rosenberger fires a no-hitter against Indians

By RICHARD A. ROSS

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — Erin Rosenberger didn’t like losing to Ellenville in sectionals last year, but this year she has a chance to make up for last year’s abbreviated postseason run.

Sullivan West 10 Liberty 0

From her position on the mound as Sullivan West’s pitcher, Rosenberger can exercise a lot of control in making things happen. On April 16, the intense hurler used the Bulldogs’ home opener against league rival Liberty (0-1, 0-1 OCIAA) to make a statement. Rosenberger struck out nine while the defense behind her played well by committing only one error.

Run support was not a problem as the Bulldogs (1-1, 1-0 OCIAA) scored in five out of seven innings, pounding out nine hits. Heather Lander went 3-for-3 while Rachel Peloquin and Stephanie Lynch each drove in three runs.

Bulldogs coach Mike Ellmauer hopes the trend continues but winces at this week’s schedule that includes four games. With Rosenberger as the only viable pitching option at this time, the question of stamina arises. What is most irksome is that only one of the games is a league match up, but all of them count towards sectionals.

“It’s often more a question of mental exhaustion rather than physical,” Ellmauer said when talking about pitchers going out day after day. “Every pitch requires concentration and focus so it can really be stressful.” But Ellmauer said Rosenberger is up to the task.

This week the Bulldogs play at Burke on April 19, at home against Florida April 22, and away at Monticello April 23.