NP shut out in first-ever 4A sectional final

GREENWOOD — New Palestine and Franklin Central squared off Thursday to see who would repeat as a softball sectional champion.

Unfortunately for the Dragons, they will not gain the rare distinction of being back-to-back titlists in different classes.

Three infield errors doomed NP, as the appropriately speedy Flashes seized upon their opportunities and downed the Dragons 4-0 in the Class 4A-Sectional 14 final at Center Grove.

NP, hitless in its final four trips to the plate, ended its season 21-7.

This marked the swan song for the class of seven Dragon seniors, who won three straight sectionals, made the 2009 3A state finals and copped the regional last year. NP was moved up to 4A this school year.

“I thought we played hard, but we didn’t have our best game,” NP coach Ed Marcum said. “We did hit the ball hard, but their outfielders made some great catches and we couldn’t get anything going.”

The Flashes (22-6) outquicked the Dragons on the basepaths as well, beating out several infield raps.

FC got the upper hand in the bottom of the third inning, when a Dragon double play attempt backfired.

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