J.M. Donoven claims A-League fastpitch title

A-League champions J.M. Donoven: Back row, from left to right, coach Kelli Kelsey, Rachel Majeres, Lauren Britt, Paige Henderson, Jacey McDonald, Samy Huston and Madi Corcaran. Back row, from left to right, coach Holly Cartwright, Tracyn LaBuda, Madie Britt, Shaylan Brough and Jaycelyn Hassa.

A-League runner's-up Master Sports: Back row, from left to right, coach Darryl Meznarich, Scout Boucher, Kaylee Gooch, Brittany Garden and China Bohn. Middle row, from left to right, Maddy Tommerup, Gabby Meznarich, Reggie Bernard and Payton Howard. Front row, from left to right, Elizabeth Facio and Sydne Huston.

Master Sports' China Bohn looks at a pitch during the A-League fastpitch city championship game last Thursday night at the Sixth Avenue Memorial Field.

The Havre Girls Fastpitch Softball Association's A-League softball championship game got off to a slow start this year, but kept players and fans on their toes as the champions were crowned in dramatic fashion.

Thursday at the Sixth Avenue Memorial Field in Havre, Master Sports and JM Donoven faced off in the title game. And after five innings of play, it was JM Donove

Shaylan Brough of J.M. Donoven looks to make contact during the Havre Girls Fastpitch Softball A-League championship game last Thursday night in Havre. J.M. Donoven beat Master Sports for the title.

n who narrowly grabbed the one run win, edging Master Sports 4-3 in walk off fashion.

JM Donoven held a 3-0 lead after four innings, but the drama didn't start until the top of the fifth.

Trailing 3-0, Master Sports was down to their last opportunity to make a move. And after two hits and a JM Donoven error, Master Sports was right back into contention. Brittany Garden led off the inning with a walk, but after recording two straight strike outs, it wasn't looking promising for Master Sports. But starting a two out rally, Elizabeth Facio earned another walk and Payton Howard got on by way of error. With the bases loaded Scout Boucher earned an RBI single, and following suit, Reggie Bernard earned a two RBI single to tie the ballgame 3-3.

After the dramatic top half of the inning, it was JM Donoven's turn to work their magic.

A speedy Paige Henderson earned a walk, and proved to be the difference maker. During Sammy Huston's at bat Henderson stole second, then advanced to third on a pass ball during Rachel Majeres' at bat. With one out, JM Donoven had the winning run in scoring position and Jacey McDonald at the plate. McDonald came through and punched a RBI single out of the infield, giving the JM Donoven squad the 4-3 win.

JM Donoven first got to a 3-0 lead by scoring one run in the first inning and two runs in the third.

And helping lead the way for JM Donoven was McDonald going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, Huston going 1-for-3 with a double and one RBI and Majeres, also with one RBI. Majeres also got the win from the pitching circle.

For Master Sports, it was Boucher and Bernard going 1-for-3 and Bohn going 1-for-2 to helping lead the way. Boucher had one RBI and Bernard had two RBIs.

For a story on the B-League championship game, see below.