Newsday: Post's Berardi, Kiser stifle Caldwell
Sarah Kiser is an accomplished starting pitcher for the C.W. Post softball team, but her role in the NCAA Tournament is to pitch out of the bullpen. She's been flawless in the first two games of the Division II Northeast Regional in Brookville.
Kiser closed out the last inning of a 6-0 victory over Caldwell Saturday in a less pressurized but just as necessary relief outing as the one she experienced Friday, when she struck out five of the last six batters to preserve a one-run triumph over New Haven.
Post (38-14), needing one more victory to make the super regional, plays Caldwell (32-24) again Sunday at 10 a.m. Caldwell advanced to the championship round by eliminating Molloy, 5-2, in the double-elimination tournament. Caldwell must beat Post twice to advance.
Kiser, a senior, has started 76 games in her career, but some injuries and the domination of senior Christina Berardi, affectionately known to her teammates as "Goose,'' prompted coach Jamie Apicella to go with Berardi as his first option in the postseason.
"They knew that it was going to take both of them to get through this tournament,'' he said. "Sarah knew and understood that Christina was the hot hand. [Kiser] basically took that role and has been doing a great job.''
Kiser became a quick study.
"I used to think the difference was I could relax the whole game and when I needed to come in, I could just come in and turn it on,'' she said. "But I've realized I have to focus the whole time just as much as a starting pitcher does.''
Berardi was locked in a scoreless duel with Brittany Pulido until the fifth inning, when Post scored five runs. The first run was driven in on a double off the rightfield fence by junior centerfielder Kerry Fisher, who has not homered since hitting three in her freshman season.
"I thought maybe it would go out, but I just kept running,'' she said.
Post also received a two-run single in the fifth by #Kristen Morcone#. Britney Agostini and Krista Palazzo each had an RBI single. Kendall Bright doubled in the sixth to drive in the final run.
Berardi allowed one hit through six innings, but Caldwell loaded the bases in the seventh.
"I warmed up almost every inning,'' Kiser said. "When you come in under pressure, you have to perform.''
Kiser struck out Mariah Lucena and Katie Margiotta before Dia Cascone grounded out to end the game.
"Goose pitched awesome,'' Kiser said of Berardi. "It's nice to come in when she needs to relax. I can come in and do my part.''