SPRINGFIELD, PA- Despite the frigid temperatures yesterday, the Cardinal O’Hara girls’ softball team managed a 1-0 victory in extra innings against Bonner-Prendergast.

The pitchers’ duel; the epitome of individual competition in a team atmosphere. Two individuals fighting to see who can contribute the most to a group effort.

For nine straight innings, Cardinal O’Hara’s Mary Pat Brough and Bonner-Prendergast’s Molly McNulty battled, each showing great determination and perseverance. It was a marathon match to see who would make the first error.

Brough was the more conservative pitcher, using groundballs to her advantage to limit baserunners; the stellar defense backing her up certainly helped.

Her defense left her at ease on the field because she knew they would able to handle anything in the batter’s box or on the base paths.

 “All I was worried about was the batter, I knew my team behind me had the runners on base and that I would be fine,” said Brough.

As is the case in all great pitchers’ duels, something eventually had to give and that something came in the bottom of the ninth.

After two lead off singles, a controversial call ruled shortstop Maura Kane out on what looked to be a successful bunt attempt; this was just the motivation junior second baseman Emily Loomis needed.

“The defense was solid for Bonner-Prendie, they did so well, I was a little nervous. But after that last call against Maura, I was actually really mad, I guess that kind of fueled the fire a little bit,” said Loomis.

With two men on and one out, Loomis roped the ball down the third baseline for the walk off RBI single.

“I just saw it go down the line and I just kept running. I saw Lexi score, then I was like ‘it’s game over’ then the rest of the team rushed the field and I knew it was game.” said Loomis, replaying her game-winning hit.

Cardinal O’Hara head coach Robert Milliken thought the team’s play in the field was a major key to victory.

“Defense kept us in this game, we needed some timely hits and they just so happened to come in the last inning. This this win gives the team a lot of momentum and confidence going into their next game,” said Milliken.

“All around, every girl on this team made a great play for the day and I think that’ll keep going for the rest of the year,” said Loomis.

Sounds like the confidence coach Milliken was expecting for the next game is already there.