No. 1 Leo ends Patriots' season in 1-0 nailbiter

DANE FUELLING

WZBD.com

ANGOLA – Danica Fuller’s single to lead off the fourth inning was the only hit allowed by Ellie Sauder in a dominating performance by the Leo Lions’ ace as the #1 team in 3A won a thrilling 1-0 contest at Angola High School, ending Heritage’s fantastic season.

*Shortstop Libby Cain was one of two baserunners allowed by Leo’s Ellie Sauder Thursday night.*

It appeared Heritage was going to have a chance to draw even when Fuller beat out the throw to first on a ground ball hit hard to the Leo shortstop. Kendall Zelt moved Dani over on a bunt and Fuller took third on a groundout to the left side, but Leah May made a nice play on Grace Guenthner’s line drive to short and the inning ended.

*Danica Fuller receives a high five after singling to lead off the fourth inning. It was the only hit the Patriots had against Leo starter Ellie Sauder.*

*Fuller makes her way to second on Kendall Zelt’s sacrifice bunt in the fourth inning.*

Sauder was absolutely electric throughout the entire game. The first time through the lineup she struck out eight, allowing just one ball hit into a play, a weak grounder back to the mound.

In the fifth inning, she struck out the side, allowing a walk to Libby Cain with two outs, the only other baserunner allowed for Sauder.

Sauder threw a perfect sixth and seventh inning, striking out 14.

The top-ranked Lions got their run in the top of the third off Fuller. A bunt single to lead off the inning gave the Lions enough opportunity to score.