Megan Michie was her usual stingy self and the Rhinebeck offense got the timely hit once again as the Hawks slipped past Chester by a score of 1-0 in Thursday's Section 9, Class C semifinal contest at Chester High School.Rhinebeck, the defending New York State Class C champions, came in to the contest at the state's 16th ranked team in the state for Class C. Chester was the state's third-ranked team and the two teams battled toe-to-toe all afternoon.
The Hawks punched the game's only run across in the fourth inning when Katie Braggins reached base on an error and advanced to second on a fielder's choice. Braggins scored easily when Karen Kirker hammered a double.
Michie and the Rhinebeck defense dodged a few bullets on the day with some clutch pitching and sound defensive play. Michie only allowed a pair of hits to Chester while whiffing six batters and walking none.
Kirker also smacked a single to go along with her two-bagger to lead Rhinebeck's offensive attack. Candace Bernitt also had a two-hit day thanks to a pair of singles.
Rhinebeck (15-6) will now tangle with top-seeded Pine Plains on Saturday at SUNY New Paltz. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
