Tiffany tosses no-hitter, Portageville advances to state semifinal

sports@standard-democrat.com

PORTAGEVILLE -- They all expected it and Taylor Tiffany knew it.

The Class 2 quarterfinal between Portageville and Bowling Green was destined for a pitcher's duel.

"I actually told my friend Friday that it was going to be a 1-0 game," Tiffany said. "Our coaches was saying it was going to come down to a pitcher's duel and I knew it would be a 1-0 game."

Tiffany's prediction was spot-on, just like her repertoire of pitches Saturday as she led Portageville to a 1-0 win over Bowling Green with a no-hitter and 17 strikeouts.

"Everything was on," Portageville head coach Ashlie Patton said about Tiffany. "You could see it and you can almost feel it from her. When she stepped on the mound that first pitch was on and it was there until the seventh inning."

Portageville pitcher Taylor Tiffany goes through her wind up against Bowling Green Saturday during a Class 2 quarterfinal in Portageville. (Chris Pobst photo)

Her teammates, Destiney Crossno and Kelsi Miller, made the most of their small window of opportunity when Miller broke up Bowling Green pitcher Madison Ingram's no-hit bid in the sixth inning to push Crossno to the plate for the game-winning run.

Portageville (23-6) has won it's last three games by outscoring their opponents 6-2.

"When we need it, we get," said Crossno, referring to Portageville's close playoff wins against Kelly and St. Pius X. "When it comes down to it we come together and get it done."

Bowling Green's Madison Ingram delivers a pitch to a Portageville player Saturday during a Class 2 quarterfinal in Portageville. (Chris Pobst photo)

This has turned into a season of first's for Portageville's three-year softball program. The Lady Bulldogs defeated Class 2 power Kelly for the first time in its history to win its first district championship. Now, they are heading to their first state semifinal.

"All we could imagine going into this season was winning districts and it happened," Tiffany said. "Now, we're going to state. It's phenomenal."

Fans hold up signs following a Taylor Tiffany strikeout against Bowling Green Saturday during a Class 2 quarterfinal in Portageville. (Chris Pobst photo)

Before Miller's poke, offense was scarce and base runners were nonexistent for each team. Walks to Portageville's Jill Kellams in the second inning and Bowling Green's Lauren Merz in the third were the only base runner's allowed until the sixth inning arrived.

Ingram, who ended with 10 strikeouts, was just as effective as her counterpart but took the hard-luck loss.

"We knew their pitcher was very good," said Patton. "It was going to be a battle against her."

Ingram sat down the first five batters she faced in order, walked Kellams, then retired the next nine-straight. Crossno led off the sixth with her game-defining walk.

"She's able to keep us in the game and throw strikes," Bowling Green head coach Dean Streed said about Ingram. "She's trusts her defense. We knew it was going to be a crap shoot and a tough battle all the way through seven."

Crossno's free pass was followed by a bunt attempt from Mikayla Rone. Rone's sacrifice was popped up and caught by Bowling Green third baseman Anah Noble for the first out of the inning.

Portageville's Destiney Crossno slides safely into home plate in front of Bowling Green catcher Destiny Lindsay as Taylor Tiffany and the rest of the Portageville team members look on Saturday during a Class 2 quarterfinal in Portageville. (Chris Pobst photo)

Portageville's next batter, Hanna Cook, was able to get her bunt attempt down to move Crossno to second with Miller waiting on deck. Miller took the first pitch she saw to the left side of the infield.

"I was just waiting on a pitch and it went through the gap," Miller said. "It felt awesome."

Once contact was made Crossno knew what needed to happen next. She raced around third and slide safely into home plate without a play to be made.

"Miller did her thing and took it opposite (field) for me," said Crossno. "I was full motion home no matter where it was hit. I knew we had to score."

With a newfound lead, Portageville gave their ace exactly what she needed to seal the win.

Tiffany, who found success with her riseball and changeup throughout the day, struck out the first batter she faced and coaxed a pop fly to the next that headed to shallow centerfield. Shortstop Mikayla Rone chased it down for the second out. Tiffany struck out the next batter after a full count and a few foul tips delayed the Portageville celebration.

"She's got a power arm and we've seen maybe two pitchers like that all year," Streed said about Tiffany. "When you have a small layoff and not used to seeing that, the timing aspect will be thrown off. I'd say the first three or four innings, we weren't able to lay off her riseball. She was able to mix in her changeup, which was really nice. That kept us off balance. She's a great pitcher and you can't take anything away from her. Hopefully they make a push."

Portageville advanced to the Class 2 semifinals at the Killian Softball Complex in Springfield Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. where they will face Pleasant Hill.

"It's just awesome we're going to state," said Tiffany. "I'm so happy for the team and to have all the support behind us is great."