Cascade catcher Aimee Taylor scoops up a dribbler in fair ground and applies the tag for an out. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

CROSS PLAINS -- Cascade lined up with heavy hearts, teary eyes and echoing sniffles to walk across the diamond one last time in 2008 to congratulate East Robertson following a 7-0 loss in the Region 5-A semifinals.

It was an all-too-familiar scene for the Lady Champions, whose season ended at the Lady Indians' home for the third consecutive year.

Cascade (17-10) has now been outscored 35-5 after four losses in a row in the region semis. They had their opportunities, getting a baserunner on board in every inning but the second, but left nine on base.

"Last year they ended the game in five (innings) and run-ruled us," Cascade coach Jeremy Austin said. "This year, maybe we improved a little. I don't know."

Teammates congratulate Erica Casey after her two-run homer broke the scoreless tie. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The experience that comes with a state tournament appearance a season ago and having 10 seniors paid off for East Robertson (28-8).

The Lady Champs nearly turned a double play to get out of the second inning unscathed after Amelia Eden's leadoff single. Kaeli Jo Wells' hustle paid off the next pitch when Erica Casey broke the scoreless tie by lining a missile off the left field foul pole for a two-run home run.

Kelsi Mason, Meghan White, Meg Krisle and Wells all tallied hits in a four-run third for insurance the District 10 champions never needed.

"East Robertson has a good team and a good set of sticks all the way down the lineup," Austin said. "Our girls did a good job tonight on defense. We just didn't hit the ball quite as well as we should."

An East Robertson baserunner is ruled safe at the plate as Cascade's Aimee Taylor applies the tag. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Mason and her defense did the rest to finish off the visitors. She struck out 10, scattered four hits and walked five, all of which were earned by sophomores Kathleen Lohay and Laura Jett.

"(Mason) did a good job moving the ball around and over the plate," Austin said. "We hit the ball at times. We put runners on base about every inning. We just couldn't capitalize and get a hit."

Second-year coach Austin was pleased by Cascade's efforts over the long haul.

"All in all, our girls had a great season. I'm proud of them. Great group of girls on the field and off the field. A coach couldn't ask for anything better.

Lady Indian pitcher Kelsi Mason fanned 10 in the complete-game shutout. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"We lost one girl (Emily Hale) that played one year with us as a senior and did a great job for us in right field," Austin said. "We're going to miss Emily, and we wish the best of luck for her in whatever she chooses to do.

"The measuring stick will be next year when these girls that are juniors and have been playing since they were freshmen when they come out as seniors."

Leigha Carter went all six frames on the bump for the Lady Champs. She did not walk a batter and had one strikeout.

East Robertson faces Forrest on Wednesday for the region title and a chance to host Friday's sectional versus the Summertown/Cornersville loser.