A little get back! Hillsdale, Dalton hold off Keystone in district semifinal win

WELLINGTON − Avenging a loss always seems to leave a feeling of satisfaction.

That's what Hillsdale (22-3, 14-0) did on Tuesday against Keystone (12-7, 12-1), as the Falcons defeated the Wildcats 6-5 in the Division III district semifinal for the second time this season (won 7-6 on April 13 in the regular season) and avenged last year's 2-0 loss in the district tournament to the very same team.

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"They're always good. Always scrappy," said Hillsdale head coach Hannah Moore. "They're kind of like us. They have a history just like us. So, to beat a Keystone is a good accomplishment for these girls, and I'm really proud of them."

"It felt great. They're such a good team," said Hillsdale catcher Belle Dalton. "They have a really strong program. I'm so happy we were finally able to put it to them this year. Early in the season and today."

Dalton served a huge part of the win, as she slammed a three-run home run in the first inning to give the Falcons an early 3-0 lead that set the tone.

"I think it put a statement on the game," Moore said.

"I think it's always good to start the game off winning," said Dalton. "When we start the game on top, it's just a great feeling the rest of the game. It gives our pitchers and defense some insurance. So, if something happens, we have a run or two."

Something did happen, and while up 6-0 through four innings, Keystone made a push and got all the way within a run heading into the seventh and final inning. Moore and Dalton both said the team just needed to not let up.

"The biggest thing was we can't let up," Dalton said. "Even when we are up, they are going to fight for the win."

"We just had to keep getting outs," Moore said. "We wanted to play tight defense."

The Falcons got those final three outs in the seventh inning behind solid defense from the outfield. Hillsdale starting pitcher Keira Filius got the win, while throwing a shutout through the first four innings, as Jordyn Fickes, Mollie Goon and Rodalynn Mast each drove in a run.

Next up for Hillsdale: Tuslaw, who defeated Manchester Akron, 4-3, in the second district semifinal.

Dalton then threw out her thoughts on her team's next challenge in hopefully winning a district title on Thursday.

"Keep the energy, roll out the big guns and really bring it," she said.

jsimpson@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: A little get back! Hillsdale, Dalton hold off Keystone in district semifinal win