Barstow pushes AV to the brink

LANCASTER - Barstow softball fell just short of an upset against Antelope Valley on Tuesday.

Antelope Valley entered the game with the best record in the conference.

The Vikings opened the game with a run in the first inning. Maggie Crossley doubled to left and then scored on an Anne Marie Hernandez ground out.

Barstow made several strong defensive plays in the game. A fly ball to left in the second inning allowed two runs to score for the Mauraders. The game remained close until the fourth inning when it appeared the Vikings tied the score. Julie Shipley led off the inning with a single and then moved to third on a bunt by Shyanne Dase. A passed ball gave the Vikings an opportunity to score, but Shipley was called out on a controversial call at the plate.

"We had the game tied, but the umpire didn't see it our way," said coach Tim Syrek. "It turned out to be a play that changed momentum."

Maggie Crossley pitched well and only gave up two earned runs. She walked four and struck out two.

"We played with some fire and intensity," Syrek added. "The game started 50 minutes late and our players handled the delay well. They maintained their focus. In the end, AV made a couple more plays that we did."