Scecina, Roncalli Capture Softball Tournament Titles

On Saturday, the top-ranked Class 2A Scecina Crusaders defeated Bishop Chatard 2-1 to capture their sixth consecutive Indianapolis City Softball Tournament title.

Nearly 72 hours later, Class 3A No. 6 Roncalli followed suit, winning their first Marion County softball championship on Monday night.

For Scecina, the 2009 City title marked the program's eighth in nine years compliments of an outstanding pitching performance from Amy Tamer, who struckout 12, walked one and scattered three hits.

Scecina scored two runs in the second inning behind RBI singles from Emily Bernstein and Amanda Couture. Chatard (11-6) cut into the Crusaders' lead 2-1, scoring on a double steal in the fourth, but Tamer kept the Trojans' offense at bay the final three frames for the win.

Scecina (16-2) defeated Cardinal Ritter 15-0 in the semifinals to advance to Saturday's title game. Chatard shutout Covenant Christian 6-0 in its semifinal game.

Roncalli (15-0) received a boost from freshman newcomer Taylor Bogardus at the plate and on the mound to seize the County crown.

Bogardus blasted two home runs and closed the door in relief as the Rebels defeated Franklin Central 6-5 at Ben Davis.

Bogardus, who hit eighth in the lineup, erased a 1-1 deadlock in the top of the second with a two-run home run. With Franklin Central ahead 5-4, Bogardus connected for her second two-run home run, putting the Rebels ahead 6-5.

In the bottom of the seventh, after surrendering two runs in the fourth inning as she relieved starter Nicole Gravelie, Brogardus retired the side with the bases loaded to secure the win.

Roncalli senior catcher Jennifer Barnett also hit a home run and finished the day 2-for-3.

Franklin Central's runner-up finish marked the program's second consecutive. The Flashes (12-6) won the title in 2006.