The Bishop O’Connell softball team captured its third straight state title at the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) tournament last weekend at Dinwiddie Sports Complex in Sutherland, Va. In this 2014 tournament, the Lady Knights eliminated Flint Hill by the score of 11-2 and St. Gertrude School, 16-0, before facing No. 1 seeded Paul VI in the championship game. O’Connell topped the Panthers, 3-1, to capture their 19th state title in 21 years of competing at the state level, and extending their record in state tournament play to 61-2 overall.
The determined Knights squad took the lead in the second inning and never relinquished it, pushing across single runs in the second, fourth and fifth innings despite each of those innings beginning with two outs. This proved more than enough for Erin Sweeney, who limited the Panthers to just five hits while striking out five and surrendering no free passes.
Hayley Metcalf led O’Connell offensively, going 2-for-4 on the evening. Key hits included a run-scoring double by Olivia Giaquinto, an RBI single by Maddie Kelly, and a big double by Maggie Goldsmith. Goldsmith, Kayla Turner and Amanda Ehlers scored runs for the winners.
In doing so, the Lady Knights eclipsed the 20-win plateau for the 24th time and 22nd straight year since Head Coach Tommy Orndorff inherited the program 29 years ago – finishing the 2014 spring campaign with a 20-5 record overall.
Read more:
O'Connell defeats Paul VI for third consecutive state title
Washington Post, May 19, 2014
O'Connell caps season by winning another state softball crown
Arlington Sun Gazette, May 18, 2014
For more information about Lady Knights softball, visit the team web page.