Emily Chelius’ HR not enough for East Rockaway in regional final
East Rockaway's Emily Chelius with a hard liner to the left side of the infield in the top of the fifth inning of the Long Island Class C softball final on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
With East Rockaway down two runs in the seventh inning and needing a big play, Emily Chelius delivered.
The sophomore hit a tying home run to center to keep the softball team’s hopes alive in the Class C Southeast Regional final at Pine Plains on Saturday.
But Pine Plains’ Tia Fumasoli had an answer, scoring the winning run in the bottom half on a wild pitch.
Despite the loss, Chelius remains a star to coach Joe Lores, whose team returns most of its core next season.
“She’s obviously the cornerstone we try to build around,” Lores said. “I told them after the game as we were sitting on the outfield grass: ‘Nobody thought we would be back here after losing our seniors last year.’ But we put in the time and everybody bought in.”
Gene Morris joined Newsday's sports department in September 2012 and covers high school sports. He earned a journalism degree from Stony Brook University in 2010.
After 47 years, affordable housing ... Let's Go: Williamsburg winter village ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
After 47 years, affordable housing ... Let's Go: Williamsburg winter village ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
