Gal Ghosts Finish; Win First Playoffs
By Morgan Stewart

As the end of the season neared, the Randolph Lady Ghosts realized the importance of gaining control of a game. In the last three weeks they gained seven wins while losing just two to Division II powerhouses Lamoille and Lyndon. Final Games

Randolph's first loss in their three-week stretch was to Lamoille, 8-4. Randolph was overpowered by 10 strike-outs delivered from the strong pitching force the Lancers provided. Emily Howe went two for three with a double and a single. Arielle Connolly hit a double as well.

The Lady Ghosts' next games were a doubleheader against Montpelier, where they won both, 15-0 and 7-4. In the first game Randolph jumped out to a quick lead, scoring lead-off hitter Connolly and clean up batter Amanda Gerstenmaier. Emily Beaudin went three for four with a double and two singles and Gwen Reis went three for five, scattering three singles and getting four RBI's. Randolph's Morgan Stewart pitched a no-hitter with the help of solid defense from the Lady Ghost fielders committing no errors.

In the second game Randolph again jumped out to an early lead, scoring five runs in the first two innings. Randolph scored two more in the fourth and sixth innings but Montpelier answered with four runs in the last four innings. Kelsey Higgins went two for three with two singles. Stewart pitched six innings for Randolph and Amanda Angell came in the seventh to relieve her.

Randolph faced their second loss to the undefeated Lyndon Vikings and were overpowered 12-1. Amanda Angell pitched the first five innings for Randolph, giving up seven hits. Emily Howe pitched the last two innings, giving up two hits. Randolph was plagued by five fielding errors.

The Gal Ghosts soared out to a 12-run first inning to defeat Vergennes, 20-2. In the five-inning outing Randolph scored three in the second, four in the third, and one in the fifth. Gerstenmaier had a double and two singles. Numerous hits were spread throughout the Randolph lineup.

O

xbow jumped out to score

two runs in the first inning, versus Randolph, but the Lady Ghosts responded, scoring six. Randolph continued their hitting streak, scoring three more runs in the second inning and two more in the fourth. Oxbow was held to their two runs until the fourth inning, when they brought in four more runs. Hayle Lund walked eight batters and gave up seven hits. Oxbow committed three errors in the seven-inning game. Morgan Stewart gave up four hits while striking out six batters. Randolph also committed three errors.

South Royalton set the tone, scoring one run in the top of the second inning, but Randolph responded, scoring one in the bottom of the second inning in a closely fought game. The game was evenly played up until the seventh inning, when Higgins got on base from a base hit over first base. Angell then moved Higgins over to third base with a well-placed bunt. When it was Katie Jickling's turn to get up to bat she tapped a base hit to the second baseman, scoring Higgins and winning the game. Playoff Win

The Lady Ghosts faced 10th seeded U-32 in their first playoff game. Randolph jumped out in the first inning, scoring two runs. In the fourth inning, five more runners crossed home plate. Randolph played close to a perfect game, facing only 21 batters. This was possible from a double play by Higgins. With the only runner to reach a base for the Raiders, Higgins caught a pop-up behind first base, then threw the runner out at first. Stewart pitched a one-hitter while the Lady Ghosts played errorless ball in the field. Randolph 3, Mill River 0

Randolph traveled to play the number-two seeded Mill River team on Tuesday. When they first got there severe thunderstorms caused the game to be delayed, but when the weather cleared Randolph took the field by storm. Gerstenmaier reached first base in the second inning and was moved around the base paths by Gwen Reis and Heather Mugford. With Gerstenmaier on third and Reis on second, Stewart hit Gerstenmaier in to score the first run of the game. In the next inning Randolph scored two more runs, with hits from Arielle Connolly and Ashley Chase. Emily Howe, Gerstenmaier and Reis all contributed hits to bring the final two runners in.

Randolph's defense was on point when Mill River runners reached third base in the first, second, and sixth innings. However, the Lady Ghosts did not allow one runner to score. Randolph was limited to just one fielding error. Every player on the Randolph team came up with big plays and contributed to the win.

Randolph plays their semifinal game on Thursday against the winner of the Otter Valley- Montpelier game.