SOFTBALL: Cardinal O'Hara Advances to Semifinals With Win Over Conwell Egan

By James Williamson, 05/20/16, 5:45PM EDT

SPRINGFIELD, PA- In their first taste of playoff action, Cardinal O’Hara put on a hitting parade routing Conwell Egan, 10-3.

It was an impressive display at the plate, as every member of the Cardinal O’Hara’s lineup managed to get a hit; not a single starter went hitless. In fact, outside of two batters, every player in the starting lineup managed to reach base safely at least twice.

“Everybody hitting, just everybody hitting. Not just one or two players, but one through nine hit the ball all day today,” said Cardinal O'Hara head coach Bob Milliken addressing keys to his team’s offensive success.

The Eagles jumped out to the early, thanks to a three run double by Ashley George in the game’s opening frame.

The team’s bats would go silent for the remainder of the game, as O’Hara’s ace pitcher Mary Pat Brough would hold the team scoreless for the remaining six innings.

Brough was tense going into the game as Egan’s reputation as a solid offensive team had her a little bit anxious.

“[Conwell Egan] is a really good hitting team, so I was a little nervous about that. But I knew that if I had my team behind me, I would do just fine.” Said O’Hara pitcher Mary Pat Brough.

Cardinal O'Hara's ace pitcher Mary Pat Brough

O’Hara managed to cut Egan’s lead down to one run going into the bottom of the third, where they would rattle off an impressive five runs all but sealing the team’s victory.

O’Hara batted through their entire line up in the inning, with eight consecutive batters reaching safely at one point.

This big lead meant less pressure on pitcher Brough, which allowed her to go out and do what she does best.

“It’s so much easier because then I can just relax a little bit and there’s not as much pressure out there,” said Brough.

The Lions would then pepper in three more runs over the game’s remaining three frames to seal the playoff win. Egan would attempt a late rally, but the lead was too great and O’Hara’s defense was too stellar.

Lexi Cervella deserves some praise for her play at first base. She routinely snagged balls thrown way over her head with the slightest of ease; it was impressive to watch.

The game ball went to Breanna Hickey who had a phenomenal performance with both the wood and the leather. Hickey was responsible for six of her team’s 10 runs and made some solid catches in centerfield.

“Just get up there, swing, and try to make contact. I just wanted to get on and get scores.” said Hickey on her approach at the plate; she definitely did what she set out to do.

Cardinal O'Hara's Breanna Hickey scores 6 out of the 10 runs of the game

Much like her pitcher, Hickey was anxious going into this one, but thanks to her team mates she was able to calm down.

“I was a little nervous in the beginning, but then when we got out there and started playing it kind of made me feel better. Like everyone just got so hype about it and it was so fun,” said Hickey.

Cardinal O’Hara will face John W. Hallahan in the semifinals on Monday, May 23rd at Arcadia University.