Apollo took the first step in repeating as 9th District softball champions with a dominant 15-1 victory in five innings over Owensboro in Monday’s first-round game at Shifley Park.
The No. 1 seed E-Gals (15-12) — playing as the home team — wasted no time getting runs on the board and scored in bunches in each of the first three frames, while starting pitcher Madison Julian retired the side in order in each of her two innings in the circle.
Though they were a heavy favorite over the No. 4 seed Lady Devils (5-24), Apollo head coach Stephen Julian didn’t want to take his opponent lightly.
“We told them not to overlook Owensboro and to come out focused,” he said. “I felt like we did that. Madison pushed hard for the first two innings. The girls were pretty effective in getting some things accomplished at the plate.”
Apollo got a two-RBI single from Brooke Brown and a two-run double from Madison Julian in the first inning for a 4-0 lead. A pair of early hits in the second inning extended the lead before Apollo tacked on four more runs with two outs. A single by Abbie Gore drove in three, and Mattie Lyons scored when Keely Eans reached on a dropped third strike.
Owensboro’s offense finally showed some life in the third inning, starting with a leadoff infield single by Makayla McKannan. An Apollo error and a hit by Aubrie Schueler loaded the bases with one out, and Emma Kinglsey drew a walk that allowed McKannan to score.
Apollo got six hits and drew two walks in the bottom of the inning to plate five more runs before the Lady Devils recorded the third out to stay alive. Both teams went scoreless in the fourth before Apollo closed out the win in the fifth inning.
Stephen Julian said he doesn’t have to worry about the energy of his team and knows they will stay on task as they continue their postseason run.
“They’re a pretty fun group,” he said. “They are pretty focused and they want to do well so I don’t worry about it a whole lot. They’re going to bring the energy each night.”
Apollo will play in the district title game Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. against the winner of Tuesday’s matchup between No. 2 Owensboro Catholic and No. 3 Daviess County. The E-Gals are guaranteed a spot in next week’s 3rd Region tournament with Monday’s win.
“Hopefully it’s going to be a really good game,” Stephen Julian said of the championship. “They’ve both got great programs. We’re just honored to get to go on and compete in the regional tournament. We’ll see what happens Wednesday night. Hopefully we come out with a win, but if we don’t at least we know we’re playing one more.”
Several players had strong days at the plate Monday night, with Gore going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs to lead the way. Madison Shemwell, Brown, Hallie Wilson and Mallory Velotta each scored twice. Madison Julian also drove in three runs, while Wilson and Eans drove in two runs each. Eans also went 3-for-4.
Madison Julian got the win, while four pitchers combined to allow only two hits with six strikeouts.
Stephen Julian said the depth of his team is a big asset going forward.
“It doesn’t matter who steps up that night as long as somebody steps up and we celebrate that person,” he said. “We just celebrate each girl’s accomplishments each night and win as a team.”
OHS 001-00—1-2-2
AHS 465-0x—15-15-1
WP: Julian. LP: Keller. 2B: Julian, Wilson, Shemwell (A). 3B: Eans (A).
