<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0wQX7M_1H02iOOP00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0wQX7M_1H02iOOP00" width="2008" height="957" ><figcaption>The Crusaders rebounded after losing to Parkway West in the semifinals to win the third-place game in the Class 4 state softball tournament. (Photo provided)</figcaption></figure>Coach Noah Duncan and his St. Dominic Crusaders reached the softball Final Four for the first time since 1998 this fall.The Crusaders finished third in Class 4 with a 6-4 win over Platte County at the Killian Sports Complex in Springfield.It tied for the best finish ever by the program. St. Dominic also finished third in 1997.The Crusaders’ season was up and down, but Duncan was pleased with how his squad turned things around once postseason play began.“I can't say that I expected to be playing at state when practice began in August. Of course, we are always working toward that ultimate goal, but expecting it could lessen our work ethic,” Duncan said. “Our team worked hard throughout the year to overcome some tough times, and when the postseason arrived, we focused on not looking behind or ahead but rather playing in the moment. This helped us get to state.”After getting off to a 5-2 start, the Crusaders were unable to sustain that momentum, ending the regular season with an 11-16-1 record.“We came through a tough middle of our season. We started to play better and much cleaner on defense,” Duncan said. “When the last regular season game ended, there was just a change in our team.“Everyone bought into the fact that this was a new season. A season we could start fresh and make the record we wanted. Everyone did exactly what was asked of them and played a role in our success in the postseason.”The Crusaders entered postseason play after losing 11-1 to Eureka.However, Duncan reminded his team every team is 0-0 when the playoffs get underway.“Before districts started, I reminded them that the new season was starting. That we could make the record (that) we wanted,” Duncan said. “Each game there was something new to add as our team built that record.”St. Dominic defeated Union (7-3), Borgia (6-0) and top-seeded Warrenton (4-0) to win the District 3 championship.“Our pitching in districts was fantastic. Annie Alsop was pitching at an elite level as in the semis and championship game of districts,” Duncan said. “She allowed zero runs and struck out 33. She was amazing.“Of course, you also have to score runs, and the team produced timely hitting that led to 10 runs over those two games. Brylie Mills, Jacie Phillips and Lexie Procter all had two hits over the two games and six different players had an RBI. We truly produced up and down the lineup.”What also was important, Duncan said, was the Crusader’s defensive play.“We only committed one error in all three games of districts,” Duncan said. “This was a huge focus of ours to be successful in our quote new unquote season, and I applaud the team for their commitment and focus on this front.”In the quarterfinals, St. Dominic played well and reached the Final Four with an 8-2 victory over the higher-seeded Parkway Central Colts.“They showed again how committed they were to this goal. I had given them a game plan, a way that we could be successful in the game,” Duncan said. “Perhaps better than any team I have ever coached, they took that plan, internalized it, worked hard at practice on specific areas, and come game day, they executed it to perfection.”The Crusaders carried a four-game winning streak to Springfield. In those wins, St. Dominic outscored its opponents 25-5.“We believed in ourselves. We were very much riding the wave of nobody believing we belonged there but us,” Duncan said. “This built a special bond and confidence in us that we could accomplish the impossible.”In the semifinal, Parkway West spoiled St. Dominic’s quest for a berth in the championship game. The Longhorns scored a 3-0 victory.Parkway West’s junior pitcher Keira Pritchard stymied the Crusaders. She struck out 11 and gave up just four hits. “The difference in the Parkway West game was the fact that we couldn't put hits together,” Duncan said. “She did a good job in the circle, and they played a very good defensive game. Both teams played well but give them credit for some key execution at the right time.”The Crusaders had a chance to end their season with a win in the third-place game, and did just that with a 6-4 victory over Platte County, who finished 24-9. “The biggest highlight was our seventh inning,” Duncan said. “With two outs and down 3-1, we scored five runs. That was unbelievable as we were down to the last out of our season and we battled and clawed our way back. It was a microcosm of our whole season.”The reaction was one of great joy by everyone.“The girls, the coaching staff, and everyone involved was ecstatic,” Duncan said. “It felt so amazing to come back the way we did and finish our season with a win.”Ducan said many players made the season special.“Our pitcher Annie Alsop was amazing. The seniors and the leadership they provided was awesome,” Duncan said. “Avery Cattoor, Brylie Mills and Madeline LoCascio led this team through ups and downs during the season and did a fantastic job leading in a special way through the postseason. Jacie Phillips also was outstanding behind the plate catching all of Annie's games.”Alsop set the single game record for strikeouts with 19 against St. Joseph Academy. She also set the single season record for strikeouts, finishing the year with 234. The previous record of 181 was held by Ashley Lutz.The whole experience left Duncan feeling grateful.“This was an unbelievable journey for me. I've coached this sport at the high school level for 27 years and never been to state” Duncan said. “It was rather emotional for me, my assistant coach, Matt Steele, who has been with me for 19 years, his son Blake who is now part of my staff, and my whole family who know how much this means to me.“I simply said ‘thank you’ to the team for this fantastic journey and how incredibly proud I was of them for coming together and showing everyone that they absolutely belonged there.”Looking ahead, Duncan sees good things continuing to come for the program.“The future looks good for us,” Duncan said. “We have Annie for another year and should have others coming in that will add to the program.”</div></body>

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Coach Noah Duncan and his St. Dominic Crusaders reached the softball Final Four for the first time since 1998 this fall. The Crusaders finished third in Class 4 with a 6-4 win over Platte County at the Killian Sports Complex in Springfield. It tied for the best finish ever by...

Crusaders finish third in Class 4 softball

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Coach Noah Duncan and his St. Dominic Crusaders reached the softball Final Four for the first time since 1998 this fall. The Crusaders finished third in Cl

Crusaders finish third in Class 4 softball

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