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LOWER BURRELL -- Deer Lakes and Burrell exchanged one-hitters at Bon Air Elementary School Thursday afternoon.

The difference was that Burrell's hit came at the most opportune time.

A single to left field over the outstretched glove of Lancers shortstop Jody Walsh scored pinch runner Jessica George, allowing the Lady Bucs to defeat Deer Lakes, 1-0, in a pitcher's duel that took just 63 minutes to complete.

The victory gave Burrell a 2-0 record in Section 3-AAAA. The Bucs are 3-0 overall. It was the section opener for the Lancers, who are 0-1, 2-2. Both losses have been 1-0 decisions.

"That hit came just when we needed it," said Burrell coach Mike Baker. "I've told the girls before it doesn't take much. You've just got to get the runners in position and get that little hit."

Jordan Moses led off the bottom of the fifth with a walk and was run for by George. Eventual winning pitcher Lauren Clarke also drew a walk. Justine D'Amico tried to bunt the runners up, but pitcher Ann Marie Brnardic made a shoestring catch of the bunt attempt. Eryn Ciccocioppo also popped to Brnardic, setting the stage for Spagnolo's decisive hit.

George was running from second on the hit with two outs and scored without a play.

Brnardic, cousin of former Hempfield standout Lauren Shaheen, pitched out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the second, striking out both Clarke and D'Amico.

"She did a great job. Ann Marie hit her spots and threw to location," said Lancers coach Craig Taliani. "It's just a shame we weren't able to support her."

Burrell centerfielder Tess Napierkowski made two excellent plays. In the top of the first, Napierkowski went a long way for a liner off the bat off Brielle Gaurich. The ball glanced off Napierkowski's fingertips for a single, but ricocheted to right fielder Casey Moses, forcing runner Abby Linton to hold at third base.

"Another three feet to the right, and we go up 1-0," Taliani said.

With two outs in the sixth, Gaurrich hit a towering drive to center that looked as if it would tie the game. But a fierce gust of wind brought the ball back in, allowing Napierkowski to make the catch.

"The wind was going after that and Tess gave it everything she had," Baker said.

Clarke pitched the first six innings before giving way to Casey Moses, who retired the side in the seventh as something not often seen in high school softball -- a closer coming in to save the game.

"It's great to have two (pitchers)," Baker said. "You can substitute with girls who can change speed and locations."

Taliani said his squad must bounce back quickly.

"It's hard to be satisfied coming away with an 'L,'" Taliani said. "We need to improve to make another run at the playoffs There are no breaks in this section. I believe it's the strongest section in Class AA."

Both teams are back in section action this afternoon, with Burrell visiting Shady Side Academy and Deer Lakes hosting Apollo-Ridge.

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