Broadneck Falls To Dulaney In 4A Softball Semifinals

For five innings Tuesday evening, the Broadneck softball bats were completely silent.

Successive hits to lead off the sixth gave the Bruins hope they might have one more rally in them, but it turned out they’d gone to the well one too many times.

Despite rallying in the sixth and seventh innings, Broadneck’s season ended Tuesday with a 7-2 loss to Dulaney in the 4A state semifinals at Bachman Sports Complex in Glen Burnie.

Manufacturing scoring came at a premium, as Dulaney was able to scratch across a single run in each of the first five innings, while Broadneck couldn’t muster a single hit until Addie Cornelius — who had to leave the game briefly after crashing through the mesh outfield fence while chasing a fly ball — laced a ball into left field to lead off the sixth inning. It was the first of five Broadneck hits, but despite throwing everything the Bruins had at this deficit, the magic had simply run out.

“It took us a long time to time up their pitcher, but once we did, we’re hitters; everyone saw it,” said Broadneck coach Beth Mackel. “We had to shake some things up and take some chances in that situation. We had to gamble.”

Gamble they did — sometimes with success, but not often enough to turn the tide. Broadneck got six baserunners in the final two innings, but only scored twice because chasing runs necessitated taking extra risks. Twice the Bruins were thrown out at home in the sixth inning, and a bunt attempt with two on in the seventh ended in a double play.

Hailey Adamson doubled and reached base twice for the Bruins, while Bella Herrera, Mara Gilkey, Aliceanna Weibley, and Cornelius also singled. Addison Hurst and Herrera scored the Broadneck runs.

The loss marked the end for seniors Adrianna Compofelice, Samantha Sprouse, and Hurst. Mackel recognized them after the game, noting their impact on a young team that has a lot of growth potential ahead of it.

“It was very important for them to get this experience,” Mackel said. “This is the first time for most of them to be here. They’re competitors, and they want to win. They’re young, and they’ll be back.”