Archbishop Ryan captures Catholic League softball title

Kate Ostaszewski yelled, "Dive." So Vicki Black did.

Black, the centerfielder for the Archbishop Ryan softball team, came charging in on a line drive in the bottom of the seventh inning Wednesday at Arcadia University.

With runners at the corners, Cardinal O'Hara was looking to tie the score in the Catholic League softball title game.

That's when she heard Ostaszewski, who wasn't too far away, from left field. The senior didn't hesitate.

"I knew it was a straight line drive," Black said. "But I didn't know how far in it was. It kind of dropped in the last second. Kate told me to dive and I had to take my chances."

Black's catch saved at least one run - maybe two - and ended the game as the Ragdolls defeated O'Hara, 4-2, to capture their third straight Catholic League title.

"There were two outs. It was do or die," Black said. "Someone was on third and it was the middle of their lineup. They are good hitters, so I wasn't going to risk it."

Black was one of many key players for Ryan (16-2) against the Lions (13-3).

First-year starting pitcher Alexa Marasheski got out of jams when her team needed it most. And Reilly Kerr ripped a two-out, two-run single in the third inning that ended up being the difference.

"When she is put in that situation, she gets the job done," catcher Sarah Ostaszewski said. "It's clutch. She's our clutch player - she gets it done when we really need her."

For Kerr, the hit was vindication as the junior first baseman struck out with the bases loaded and two out in the regular-season meeting with O'Hara.

"Please let me get at least one in and I'll be happy with myself," Kerr said she was thinking as she walked to the plate.

As always, there was the dependable Sarah Ostaszewski behind the plate for the Ragdolls. "Take control, Sarah," a fan yelled from the crowd in the seventh.

The St. Joseph's recruit took a timeout a few batters later to settle down her team.

It worked. Minutes passed and she was celebrating by jumping into Marasheski's arms.

Archbishop Ryan 202 000 0 - 4 6 1

Cardinal O'Hara 100 001 0 - 2 7 2

WP: Alexa Marasheski LP: Mary Pat Brough.

2B: AR- Sarah Ostaszewski CO- Annemarie Banes.