Championship Preview: Broad Run vs New Kent

By Andy Hayes - Publisher & Senior Editor
June 8, 2007

RADFORD, VA - Saturday will mark the 3rd state title appearance in the last 10 years for Broad Run softball. The Spartans will play host to the New Kent Trojans who are 25-3 on the season after defeating Virginia High on Friday in the state semifinals. The Spartans advanced with a dramatic 1-0 win over Tunstall. Regardless of the stats, this game should be another great contest with the potential to end in extra innings. Here's the breakdown:

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Broad Run's Story:
The Spartans are 28-0 this season and ranked in the top 6 in the country by the USA Today. Broad Run is led by Gatorade Softball Player of the Year Caitlyn Delahaba, who is 27-0 on the mound this season with an ERA under 0.22. She has thrown 2 consecutive shutouts and has struck out 50 hitters in the last three games. Delahaba has a great supporting cast to help her, the Spartans have outscored their opponents 270-6 this season with the help of hitters like Karla Powell, Ashley Kramer, and Haley Johnson. The Spartans have scored 10 or more runs in 14 of their 28 wins this season. Broad Run is coached by Ed Steele, who has a career record of 286-81.

New Kent's Story:
The New Kent Trojans are from New Kent County located east of Richmond, Virginia. The Trojans, who are (25-3) this season, are led by pitcher Becca Mills. Mills pitched a complete game against Virginia High on Friday and at one point, retired 19 of 20 batters faced. The Trojans also have some good power in their lineup, led by slugger Laura Bauer. Bauer had the game winning hit against Virginia High and finished the game 3 for 3 with an RBI. New Kent is coached by Betsey Lane.

Chick-fil-A
Nuggets of The Game:

For Broad Run:
- Put Pressure On New Kent With Runs Early
- Avoid Mistakes In The Infield, Especially Bunt Situations
- Keep New Kent's Laura Bauer and Her Bat In Check

For New Kent:
- Don't Get Intimidated By Delahaba Early
- Put The Ball In Play At The Plate
- Score First

Winning Streaks:
Both Broad Run and New Kent have impressive winning streaks going. The Trojans are riding a 15 game winning streak into the state finals and the Spartans have won 28 in a row. Broad Run has also won 54 of their last 55 games.

First Times:
New Kent is making their first appearance in the state softball playoffs since 2003 under new coach Betsey Lane. Lane played collegiately at Methodist University as an outfielder.

Game Outlook:
Both teams are coming off of emotional wins that took plenty of energy. Expect another close game, but Broad Run has a better overall lineup than New Kent. The Spartans must start quickly though at the plate to avoid giving New Kent confidence that the game can be won late. With a lead, Delahaba can be downright scary to face. Mills will need to keep the Spartan hitters off balance at the plate with her change-up and rise ball. If she can handle the middle of the Spartan lineup, this game will be close.

Impact Players:
- Broad Run (Karla Powell) - Look for Powell to rebound from a tough day at the plate against Tunstall. Powell has been the most consistent clutch hitter all year for Broad Run and they will need her to come through if she has runners in scoring position again on Saturday. Powell is a good fastball hitter and also a good off-speed pitch hitter, so she won't be fooled by New Kent's Becca Mills on the mound.

- New Kent (Becca Mills) - Mills will be outshined in hype on Saturday with Delahaba pitching on the other team, but if Mills can pitch like she did on Friday, New Kent will take this game down to the wire. Broad Run hasn't started quickly in the past few games so it is crucial for Mills to get off to a quick start. Mills has already pitched 192 innings this season, and has a 0-42 ERA while striking out 212 hitters on the season.

Prediction:
Broad Run is the better overall team, but New Kent has momentum going into this contest. The Spartans had to play 9 innings on Friday, so the Trojans have a little edge when it comes to rest. The Spartans are out to prove that they are the team of destiny and that leads us to believe that they will accomplish what they have set out to do, win the Group AA State Title and finish 29-0.

Score:
Broad Run - 2
New Kent - 1
Game Goes 10 innings

Interesting Facts:
The Broad Run Spartans are ranked 6th in the country by the USA Today. With their recent wins, they could move up to as high as 3rd. All 5 of the teams ranked in front of them have at least 1 loss, so if Broad Run wins the State Title on Saturday and finishes 29-0, they potentially could and should be named the USA Today National Champions.

Weather:
A few clouds early, otherwise mostly sunny. High 84F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.

LISTEN TO THE BROAD RUN vs TUNSTALL SEMIFINAL GAME BELOW:
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Championship Preview: Broad Run vs New Kent

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