Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 14, 1994 TAG: 9408050028
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Medium
But it was defense that doomed the West this year, collapsing in the fifth inning as the East came away with a 10-4 victory Wednesday at Briarfield Park.
The East scored six runs in the fifth. Two of them were unearned, and the West's failure to cover bases and field bunts cleanly added to its misery during the big inning.
``You have to play everybody in this game,'' said James River's John Shotwell, a member of the West coaching staff. ``I won't say you can't hide people, but we just thought that was the way to do it.
``They bunted us to death. When we substituted, our people didn't cover the bases.''
The West opened a 4-1 lead, thanks to a three-run second. That inning started with three consecutive singles, including an infield hit by James River's Amber Vines, who knocked in the game's first run.
``We just broke down a little bit,'' said Vines, who played for a Knights team that was very strong defensively.
Though James River had faced strong competition, Vines said it was a real education to play with some of the Group AAA players from Northern Virginia.
``They have a different style and I learned a lot,'' said Vines, who will attend Virginia but does not plan to play softball.
Janet Ciciarelli of Langley (McLean) was named the most valuable player for the West, pitching the final 32/3 innings and holding the East to one run on one hit.
The East was led by Midlothian's Jennifer McIntyre, an infielder who batted leadoff and collected three singles in four at bats.
by CNB