YARMOUTH — Stephanie Rundlett pitched a three-hitter with 18 strikeouts and one walk Friday, leading York to a 1-0 victory against Yarmouth in a Western Maine Conference softball game.
“That was dominating,” said York Coach Mona Blais. “She was awesome. She had 25 strikeouts in a 10-inning game last year, but she just stays within herself. She really has a demeanor that she’s just going to get it done.”
Rundlett, who has committed to Fordham, struck out the first 10 batters before a pop-up fell in the infield after fielder miscommunication.
Her first 16 outs came on strikeouts.
Yarmouth advanced a runner to third base with one out three times, but Rundlett was able to strike out the next two hitters each time.
“The rise and the curve were working especially well today,” said Rundlett. “Once they started catching up and hitting it a little, I just took a deep breath before I went to the mound. I really just didn’t want to walk anyone or give in.”
Added Blais: “She has the power to just zone in, to concentrate, and not everybody can do that. That’s what makes her so special.”
Yarmouth pitcher Mari Cooper also had a strong game, finishing with nine strikeouts and scattering five hits.
“My girls were off balance swinging out there,” said Blais. “She did a great job mixing it up. You’ve got to like that if you’re Yarmouth. Last year it was the same thing. She’s a great pitcher.”
Added Yarmouth Coach Amy Ashley: “We told her that we were extremely proud of her to go toe-to-toe with Stephanie. It’s so impressive. She pitched her heart out.”
The bottom of York’s order caused Cooper the most problems. Four of the Wildcats’ hits came from the seven through nine hitters.
Wendy Donnell finished with two hits for York, including a leadoff double to center in the top of the third.
After Donnell’s double, Kiley Blondin laced an opposite-field line drive into the right-field corner to score Donnell for the only run.
“This week at practice was all about hitting,” said Blais. “We did a lot of work in the cage and on the tee, just trying to get the girls really focused, because we weren’t where we needed to be. They did well today.”
Colleen Sullivan proved to be the biggest hurdle for Rundlett, going 2 for 3.
The lone out Sullivan made came in the first inning when she struck out in a nine-pitch at-bat.
Sullivan also was the first player to put a ball in play against Rundlett – the pop-up that fell for a single.
Sullivan later put together an 11-pitch at-bat that she finished with a hard-hit double down the left-field line.
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