Friday Flashback - April 11, 2017
By: Kevin Weller | NTL Sports | April 5, 2019 | Photo courtesy Kevin Weller
Elm Park, Williamsport PA, 4/11/17 - SJN Lady Knights defense overpowers Montgomery Raiders in 6-5 win.
The St. John Neumann Lady Knights jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, as Sarah Harbach drew a walk, followed by a Morgan Kriner single up the middle to put runners on first and second base. Anne Weller then smashed an RBI line drive past the outstretched glove of the Montgomery centerfielder, scoring Sarah. That was followed by a clutch two-out, 2-RBI blast by Breanna Minnier to left field, plating Morgan and Anne for the last two runs of the inning.
Anne kept the Raider bats in check until the third inning, when Montgomery got on the board with 3 consecutive singles to load the bases with no outs. Montgomery's big hitter, Amanda Kilps roped a double past Sarah Harbach in center field to tie the game at 3-3. WIth the Knights' backs to the wall, Breanna Minnier made a spectactular diving catch on a flare to right field off the bat of Gabby Schreck. Bre then threw a laser to shortstop Morgan Kriner, doubling off Kilps at second base.
Montgomery threatened again in the top of the fourth inning, as Kaytlyn Young lead off with a double. A sac bunt moved her over to third base with one out, and the top of the order coming to bat. Abby Stryker hit one in the gap to right center for what seemed destined to drop in for a hit to put the Raiders into the lead, when out of nowhere, Minnier made another diving catch to steal the out. Bre flipped it to Kriner, who threw it to third baseman Bianca Lilley to complete the double play and end the threat.
Breanna wasn't done, as her bat ignited the offense in the bottom of the inning, starting a 3-run rally, and giving Neumann a 6-3 lead. Montgomery fought back with two runs in the fifth inning, but Weller outdueled Montgomery senior pitcher Hannah Bryson, and the Neumann defense held on for the win. The St. John Neumann Lady Knights are undefeated with a 3-0 record, with the best start in program history.
Williamsport Sun-Gazette reporter, Chris Masse, interviewed Minnier and Weller after the game. Breanna was asked about her game-saving defense. "I'm used to catching a lot of the balls but I didn't think I was going to get that second one. Once I got it it was a big relief. I was just like, 'oh my gosh.' I saw it coming the whole time and I was just thinking keep my eye on the ball and don't overrun it." Anne added, "Plays like those energize all the girls. That lifts us up." Asked about her toughness in the circle, sophomore pitcher Weller said, "I learned from last year to stay focused. It was fun and exciting being out there. I don't mind the pressure."
Picture above (l-r, Anne Weller, Kaylin Brown, Breanna Minnier)
