Outlaws miss playoffs in tough loss

Central's Emily Kenton had Sisters High School's varsity softball team's number Thursday, and ended the Lady Outlaws' dream of returning to the 4A State Playoffs for the third time in four seasons with a 1-0 "play-in" game victory for Central at Independence.

That number was "one," as Kenyon limited Sisters to only one hit (a seventh-inning single), one walk and only one other baserunner. She struck out 13. And the total number of runs Central needed was one.

Outlaws senior first baseman and leading hitter Amber Milliman broke up Kenyon's no-hit bid in the seventh inning with a single. The only other SHS base-runners were sophomore Harley Rowe, who walked, and Marissa Calavan, who reached on an error. It was the one walk Kenyon allowed and Central's one error for the game.

While Kenyon was the player of the game, Outlaw Zoey Wavrin scattered four hits in her best outing of her senior season.

It was the first time the hard-hitting Outlaws were shut out in the 2011 season and the first time in 45 games dating back to a March 24, 2010 loss to 6A Tigard.

The loss left the Outlaws with a 10-9 overall record. SHS qualified for the play-in game by finishing third in the Sky-Em League. Central, 22-3, finished second in the Oregon West League. By winning Thursday, Central qualifies for the State 4A Playoffs.

Statewide, 32 of Oregon's 42 4A teams participated in play-in games May 19. Central was to host a first-round game Wednesday,

May 25.

The 1-0 loss was a far cry from the Outlaws' playoff "tune-up" game against Summit (5-19) of Bend on May 17. In winning, 10-9, the Outlaws collected 21 base hits, including six doubles and a triple.