Indy Star

 

By Patrick Dorsey

After unsuccessful trips to the Marion County Tournament title game in 2006 and '07, Roncalli softball coach David Lauck believed his seniors deserved one more shot.

They got it.

They took advantage.

But a freshman stole the attention Monday for the Class 3A No. 6 Rebels, as newcomer Taylor Bogardus slammed two home runs -- including the game-winner -- and earned the win on the mound in Roncalli's 6-5 victory over Franklin Central at Ben Davis.

"We're awfully lucky to have Taylor on our team," Lauck said after guiding Roncalli (15-0) to its first County championship. "For a freshman, she brings talent that is just not around this area."

It showed Monday. Batting eighth and starting as the Rebels' designated player, Bogardus broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the second with the first of two two-run home runs.

Also the team's No. 2 pitcher, Bogardus then entered the game for starter Nicole Gravelie with one out and one on in the bottom of the fourth, with the Rebels leading 4-3. She was erratic at first, letting two runs in and giving the defending runner-up (and 2006 County champion) Flashes (12-6) their first lead at 5-4.

Bogardus settled down on the mound, though, then made one more statement with the bat -- smashing the first sixth-inning pitch she saw from Franklin Central's Jennifer DeMotte to give the Rebels a 6-5 lead. The Flashes loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh, but Bogardus struck out consecutive batters to clinch the win.

"It was real nerve-racking," Bogardus said of her up-and-down day. "I was nervous myself, but I knew I had my team behind me."

Senior catcher Jennifer Barnett also had a big day for Roncalli, leading off the game with a home run and finishing 2-for-3 with a walk.

For the Flashes, DeMotte (2-for-3, walk) was one of five hitters to reach base multiple times. The others included Ebby Campbell (2-for-2 with a double and two walks) and Leah Hall (1-for-2 with a double and two walks).

Roncalli travels to Class 3A No. 1 New Palestine today. Still, Monday's win certainly is meaningful -- beyond the trophy.

"No matter what, we're going to be in the game," Lauck said. "For a freshman to step up and do what she did, it's going to give her confidence for her career. It's also going to give the seniors confidence for down the road this season."