Moore Catholic can't overcome early deficits in state tourney defeats

Two Moore Catholic comebacks were not to be.

The Mavericks rallied from three runs down against Mount Mercy in the semifinals only to fall 6-3 and down two early to Kellenberg in the consolation round, took a lead, but suffered a 6-5 defeat in the CHSAA state softball tournament Tuesday at Moore Catholic.

“The kids played great the last couple of week,” Moore assistant coach Steve Broekers said. “We are proud of them.”

Mount Mercy (Buffalo), much like Archbishop Molloy did in the city final, jumped ahead 3-0 in the first inning. Moore got even in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a two-run triple by Jackie Heinz and a sac fly from Alexa Aliberti. The Magic regained the lead in the top of the seventh when Kaitlyn Murphy linef a ball to center that went in and out of the glove of a diving and usually sure-handed Krissa Sagona to give the Magic (12-5) a 5-3 lead. Starter Gianna DeCesare did not allow an earn run as Moore (14-6) committed five errors in the game. Moore managed just three hits against Mount Mercy starter Alison Benz.

Kendall Rodriguez

Moore coach Kristine Knuth watched her team fall twice Tuesday.

“They made a nice comeback being down 3-0,” Broekers said.

The fifth inning was again the big one for the Mavericks in the consolation round. Kellenberg (24-4) led 3-1 going into the frame, but Moore scored four times to grab a 5-3 lead. Maria Genovese provided a two-run double. Taylor Krupa, who was robbed of a hit earlier in the game, and Jackie Heinz each drove in a run with singles. Kellenberg, which fell 6-5 to champion Archbishop Molloy in its semifinal, scored three times in the top of the sixth off Kelly Graham to take the lead for good.

“The bats did come alive,” Broekers said. “Our three and four hitters struggled the last three games. The bottom of the order really played well. They really came to play. “

Head coach Kristine Knuth, who is pregnant, had to leave quickly after the consolation game loss because her water broke in the early innings. She did not have the baby and was resting comfortably at home as of late Tuesday night. She showed the same toughness exhibited by her team even in defeat.

“I was like, ‘You got to be kidding me, Kris,’” said Broekers. “You stuck around that whole time? I guess she wanted to see the girls win that last game.”

A season-ending win was not to be.

jstaszewski@nypost.com