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Hoadley's 23-strikeout shutout in 14 innings lifts Owls

PLAISTOW — Timberlane junior Kate Hoadley admits that she was getting a little tired, but she could have gone longer Wednesday afternoon.

Hoadley certainly went long enough, striking out 23 and walking just one batter while pitching a nifty two-hitter as the Owls, in a battle of two of the top Division 1 teams in New Hampshire, outlasted Alvirne 1-0 in 14 innings.

"I think we were all pretty tired, but the adrenaline of a great game kept us going," said Hoadley. "Every inning, we all wanted to just get off the field and try to get that one run."

Hoadley had extra incentive to end the game because she plays the flute in the band and had to rush to a year-end concert after the final out. "I missed the rehearsal, but got there for the concert," she said.

Hoadley, who had a perfect game earlier in the season against Pinkerton, didn't give up her first hit until the 12th inning and then surrendered one more in the 14th.

"I just felt pretty good," she said. "My curve ball was working well and I was having a lot of success with my screw ball. I think this was my best game, probably better than against Pinkerton because Alvirne had been ranked first and this was such a big game."

The Owls, who improved to 13-4, finally ended it in the 14th when standout freshman Kylie Fitzpatrick singled, was advanced to second by Olvia Harnois and scored on an RBI single by Ally Collins (3 for 6 on the day).

Losing Alvirne pitcher Kate Teague scattered eight hits and struck out eight — a fine effort but not even close to Hoadley's performance.