By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Brandwywine's varsity softball team did not lose many games this season, but one of the five losses will be on the Bobcats' mind this afternoon as they play in the Division 3 semifinals at 4 p.m. at Bailey Park in Battle Creek.
The loss they will be thinking about came on May 17, in an eight-team tournament hosted by Clinton, Brandywine's opponent today.
Brandywine and the host Redskins were tied 0-0 heading into the seventh inning. Because of the tournament format the international tie-breaker was put into effect. Under the rule, each team starts the inning with a runner on second base and the team which advances the runner the farthest wins the game.
Brandywine moved its runner to third base but Clinton scored its runner on a base hit, earning the 1-0 victory.
Clinton pitcher Sara Tervo is 29-3 on the year with an ERA of 0.75. She has committed to play for Akron University next year.
Brandywine junior pitcher Nicki McGowen is 34-4 on the year with an ERA of 0.37. She has tossed four straight one-hitters in postseason play.
This is Brandywine's second semifinal berth in the last three years. The Bobcats won the state title in 2001.
Myers feels that experience, along with a tough regular season schedule, should keep his players relaxed.