Track and Field
MARATHON – Oxford won eight events, and added a pair of runner-up finishes to capture the Class D girls track and field championship, Wednesday at Marathon.
The Blackhawks, sporting a roster of just 10, scored 96 points to outdistance Odessa-Montour, winner of eight of the last 10 Class D girls titles.
“Our team strategy was the spread out the girls in as many events as possible to score as many points as possible,” said Oxford coach Irene DeJager. “The entire team contributed this season, and what they did tonight was just exceptional.”
Emily Woodford, Katie Woodford, and Haley Witchella combined for seven individual victories. Emily Woodford won the 200 meters (25.69), the long jump (15-11), and triple jump (34-2 3/4); Witchella was first in the shot put (35-9 3/4) and discus (108-2); while Katie Woodford captured the 100 (12.5) and 400 meters (57.38). That trio combined with Jessica Russo for a victory in the 400-meter relay (49.90).
Of note Witchella set her fourth individual school record this season taking the discus by over 10 feet. It was just the second meet in which Witchella has thrown the discus, DeJager said. Witchella also holds school records in the pentathlon, shot put, and high jump.
Adding runner-up finishes were Witchella (high jump, 4-10 1/2_) and Katie Woodford (200 meters (25.71).
Baseball
Oxford 7, Union Springs 2
UNION SPRINGS – Oxford stunned the number two seed in the Class C tournament, and earned its first sectional playoff win since the 2007 season on Wednesday.
The Blackhawks (7-10), entering the tournament as the 15th seed, scored six runs in the top of the fifth to grab the lead. Ryan Moore and Eric Dilfer drew bases-loaded walks, and Joe Nelson followed with a two-run single. Nelson stole second, and that led to a pair of throwing errors by Union Springs that plated the fifth and six runs.
“We caught a couple of breaks in this game, but we made some breaks of our own,” said Oxford coach Chris Palmer.
Oxford turned two double plays, catcher Ryan Moore threw out a baserunner attempting to steal, and the Blackhawks successfully executed two rundowns.
Union Springs failed to cash in on its three hits in the fourth inning. The lead-off hitter singled, but was subsequently thrown out by Moore on a stolen base attempt. Union Springs’ next batter doubled, and he tried to score on a single to right field. Oxford outfielder, Eric Dilfer, gunned down the baserunner at the plate. Winning pitcher Andrew Golden retired the next batter to end the threat.
In addition to picking up the win, Golden tacked on an insurance run hitting a solo homer in the seventh.
The Blackhawks play at Seton Catholic Central Friday. The Saints defeated Greene, 13-1.
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Andrew Golden (W) and Ryan Moore. Corey Fischer (L), Jared Bretherton (5) and Eric Guyle. HR: (O) Golden.
Worcester 8, G-MU 7
