By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Rain, lightning and play stoppages – nothing fazed Delavan-Darien senior Jennah Speth in the WIAA Division 2 softball semifinal against Northwestern/South Shore – where she logged a state tournament record 22 strikeouts to help the Comets advance to the Saturday’s state title game versus New Berlin West.
“It is indescribable, being here right now,” Speth stated about her new record, and title hopes.
The contest that started 8 p.m. Thursday at Madison’s Goodman Field suffered two rain delays, including a suspension before midnight due to lightning, resumed Friday morning at Waunakee High School.
Speth and Northwestern/South Shore senior Cheyenne Johnson combined for 37 strikeouts, putting up zeroes across the board until the bottom of the ninth, when Comets’ junior Morgyn DeLara hit a stand-up double to plate Speth for the decisive run.
In addition to 22 strikeouts, Speth allowed two hits and walked one through all nine innings in the 1-0 semifinal victory.
Johnson, however, amassed 15 strikeouts, allowed three hits and walked three in nine frames.
Comets coach Hank Johnson said he believed Speth would step up, citing her experience, and drive to make Delavan-Darien’s first state appearance count.
“This has been her for the last four years, nothing really surprised us here,” Johnson said. “She knew how important it was for her, the program and for the school.”
Delavan-Darien’s leading hitter, Morgyn DeLara, who produced the team’s only two hits, agreed.
“She has wanted this for the last four years and made it her goal all along,” stated DeLara, who said her pitcher seeks a state title.
The Comets seek their first state title 3 p.m. Saturday against New Berlin West, who holds a 25-5 record at Goodman Field in Madison.
See the June 16 Delavan Enterprise for the complete story from Delavan’s semifinal game.
