Eight schools converged on the Ebbe Sports Complex at Trenton High School on Saturday morning, for the annual North Central Missouri College run Nan Carter Tournament.
Battling through consistent drizzle and overcast conditions, Marceline and Brookfield advanced to the championship game, however, the heavy rains of early Saturday evening that continued their advance toward the Grundy County line forced the cancellation of play during the 7th and 5th place contests.
Trenton’s Lady Bulldogs went 1-1 on the day, routing Gallatin in Saturday morning’s quarterfinal round by a final score of 15-2, Trenton’s 10th win of the season. However, in the semifinals, one of the rare Trenton varsity games played at Johnson Field, Trenton lost a commanding 5-0 advantage, giving up seven runs and eight hits in a swift and effective Lady ‘Dogs offensive punch, as BHS took a 7-5 lead, and held on for a 7-6, five inning win, in a game shortened due to time limitations.
Time limitations were being utilized to speed up games, after the tournament fell behind on Saturday morning with only Griffin Field utilized for the first 2 1/2 hours of tournament play.
Marceline beat East Harrison to open the day, then claimed a wild 9-7 win over Platte Valley in the semifinals. Brookfield and Marceline did play one another Monday night in a game that will officially be considered the “Nan Carter Championship”, with the Lady Tigers rolling to a 12-3 win.
Milan went 1-1 on the day, falling to Platte Valley in the quarterfinals, but rebounding with a consolation win over East Harrison. The Lady ‘Cats were playing GRC rival South Harrison in the consolation final when lightning suspended play. Gallatin, at that time, had a commanding double-digit in the 2nd inning of the 7th place game against East Harrison. Trenton and Platte Valley were unable to get the 3rd place game underway.
