Gloucester Catholic hands Chain, Gloucester first loss, 1-0

That was no ordinary softball game last night at the Ponytail League Complex in Gloucester City.

That was an event.

An estimated 1,000 fans surrounded a fence circling the field on Johnson Boulevard to watch Gloucester City host Gloucester Catholic for the unofficial city softball crown.

Fan interest was higher than usual for the rivalry because Gloucester entered the game with a 21-0 record and a No. 1 ranking in South Jersey by The Inquirer.

Furthermore, Gloucester was expected to play without its ace, Taylor Chain, who hadn't yielded a run all season.

However, Chain took the circle, despite pain in her throwing shoulder, and pitched a two-hitter. It wasn't enough.

Gloucester Catholic's Nicole Hagerty smashed an RBI double along the left-field line in the top of the fourth inning to score Christine Matranga for a 1-0 lead, and that was all the sixth-ranked Rams needed to win the Tri-County Conference interdivisional game.

Hagerty, a junior, also threw a two-hit shutout to seal the victory.

"It might have been a fastball," Hagerty said of the pitch she hit. "I definitely thought it was foul.

"The win was exciting. Taylor Chain is a good pitcher, and they have good hitters."

Tabby Dick smashed a two-out double in the fourth, but Hagerty was able to get out of the inning.

Gloucester, which clinched the Classic Division title with an 8-0 record, attempted to tie the game in the fifth inning when Brittney Dolson raced home on an infield sacrifice by Angela Harris. However, shortstop Ali Robinson fielded the ball and threw to catcher Colleen O'Donnell, who made the tag.

Chain said the decision for her to pitch was made yesterday morning, when she felt better. The senior also said Hagerty got a hold of a good pitch, but the ball was foul.

"There is an adrenaline rush with the cheering and booing," Chain said about the throng that gathered.

Gloucester Catholic improved to 18-6 overall. The Rams are 7-3 in the Diamond Division and have a chance to tie for the championship with the Gloucester Institute of Technology.

Gloucester Cath. 000 100 0 - 1 2 1

Gloucester 000 000 0 - 0 2 1

WP: Nicole Hagerty. LP: Taylor Chain.

2B: GC–Nicole Hagerty. G–Tabby Dick.