JAY – Sometimes, things can be going well and suddenly the bottom falls out. That’s exactly what the Dirigo softball team experienced in its Mountain Valley Conference game with Jay Friday.

Jay southpaw Bree Loon proved to be in total control in hurling a two hitter and aided the cause with a two-run single as Jay remained unbeaten by cruising past Dirigo 12-0. The game was called after four and one-half innings due to the mercy rule, however,

Dirigo had provided a strong showing by trailing 4-0 after three innings.

“Things just fell apart in the fourth inning,” Dirigo coach Dennis Richard said. “My pitcher (freshman Abby Fenstermacher) got tired and then (reliever Jess Meader) couldn’t hold Jay off. It was close until then. We start seven freshmen and sophomores, so yes we have a real young team.”

Jay (2-0) relied heavily on Loon and her performance certainly wasn’t disappointing. The junior threw 60 pitches, struck out eight, including two each in three innings and issued one walk to Michelle Holmquist. She threw the ball consistently in the mid 50s, according to a Jugs gun.

“I really felt confidence out on the mound,”Loon said. “All I need to do is throw strikes because my team is behind me and they play solid defense. I was able to mix up my pitches well, just like Kim Lavoie taught me. That’s how I approach every start, just throw strikes and if they hit the ball behind me, my team will make the plays.”

Dirigo (0-2) received a leadoff single by Courtney Derouche in the second, but Loon then rang up Katie Hutchinson. Shannon Daley hit a smash off Loon’ glove, but second baseman Kaylee Demillo raced over to force out Desrouche and threw over to complete the double play. Fenstermacher singled in the fourth, but was eventually stranded on third base. The Cougars failed to hit one ball past the infield.

“We wanted to bunt the ball on offense and move runners over,” Richard said. “We knew (Loon’s) reputation and tried preparing for it, but things didn’t work out. She’s one of the top pitchers in the MVC.”

Jay proceeded to score eight runs in the fourth inning on three hits. Felicha Hersey and Demillo each hit RBI-singles, but Janna and Sara Fetterhoff and Loon (two hits) each induced bases loaded walks. The Tigers received two hits and two runs each by Rachael Gagnon and Demillo. Gagnon tripled in the first inning, on a line drive off Kayleigh Daley’ glove.

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