Archbishop Hannan sophomore Victoria St. Philip came up big in the clutch producing a two-out game-winning single in the bottom of the seventh inning Thursday to spark the Lady Hawks to an exciting 4-3 victory over the Fisher Lady Gators from Lafitte.

Hannan (12-1) got a strong pitching performance from sophomore starter Dallas Hebert (7-0), who went the distance tossing a four-hitter, registering 11 strikeouts with just two walks. Hebert, who dominated early, struck out the side in the third and fourth innings. She also recorded a three-up-three down seventh inning striking out the final two batters she faced.

Hebert said it was nerve wracking late in the game.

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“I was just praying to God that we would win. I knew our offense could come through when they needed to and I believed in them,” Hebert said.

Hebert said getting the early lead took some of the pressure off of her in a close game.

“I have confidence in my teammates backing me up. I knew we could pull through and get the runs in. I felt bad for the other pitcher (Martin),” Hebert added.

Hannan trailing 3-2 took care of business in their final at bat taking advantage of a couple errors to snag the victory against Fisher senior hurler Aly Martin (9-2-1). Hebert led off reaching on a throwing error and hustled down to second base on the errant throw. Maddi Shelton put down a bunt that was misplayed by the third baseman. Shelton was safe at first and Hebert advanced to third on the play. Shelton then stole second base still with nobody out. Martin struck out the next hitter. Meagan Finch was safe on a bunt scoring Hebert to tie the game at 3-3. Kelli Digangi stepped in and drew a walk on a 3-2 count to. Brooke Laigast popped out to short on a 3-2 pitch with the infield fly rule being called setting the stage for St. Philip’s heroics. Martin started off St. Philip with two high pitches to fall behind in the count. Martin battled back and St. Philip worked the count full to set the stage. St. Philip made contact on the 3-2 offering and sent a shot screaming down the right field line and the Fisher outfielder was unable to haul in the hit. Shelton tallied the game-winning run to send the Lady Hawks home victoriously.

St. Philip was asked what was going through her mind during the game-winning at bat after working the count full.

“I knew I needed to hit the ball past the infield. I just knew I had to get the runner in from third and that’s what I did. I’m really proud of myself,” St. Philip said.

“Personally, I thought the ball was going over her head. When I touched first base I knew we had won. It was nice,” St. Philip added.

Hannan coach Becky Lambert said her team came through when they had to.

“Our backs were against the wall at the end. We started laying down the bunts and we got the timely hit with Victoria (St. Philip). That was huge coming on a full count. I’m happy for her and it should give her some confidence,” Lambert added.

Hannan took a 2-0 lead touching Martin for two runs in the first inning. St. Philip singled with one out and Kimberly Nilsson tripled her home with a shot to right-center field. Kim Kirsch knocked in Nilsson with a ground out to second to put the Lady Hawks up 2-0.

Martin retired nine batters in a row until Kirsch earned a walk on a 3-2 pitch with one out in the bottom of the fourth. She struck out the next hitter and got out of the inning with a pop out to the catcher. Fisher coach Larrie Maples said it was a tough game to loose.

Maples credited her pitcher, Martin, with being an incredible ball player. “Aly has pitched for us since she was in the seventh grade. She has started for us since that time and is an incredible kid,” Maples said.

Martin went the distance allowing four runs on just three hits posting five strikeouts with three walks.

Coach Maples described Hannan as one of the best team’s her club has faced.

“They are definitely one of the best, if not the best teams we have played this season. We play them again April 10 so are looking forward to that rematch,” Maples added.

Hannan’s coach Lambert said it was obviously good to get the victory, but is concerned about the lack of offensive production.

“We have to do better at the plate. We really only have two kids right now hitting the ball consistently (Kirsch and Nilsson). They have carried us for the last two games. We need other players to step up,” Lambert said.

“We’re a young team and the coaches are trying to teach the players the mental part of the game. That is the biggest part of the game, and right now that is our weakest part,” the Hannan coach said.