One year ago, Cedar Cliff fell flat in the District 3 Class AAAA playoffs.The top-seeded Colts, who cruised to both the Mid-Penn Commonwealth title and the conference tournament championship, failed to score a run against No. 16 Hempfield in a 1-0 loss to the Black Knights in the first round.
This year, coach Justin Phillips' team is a decided underdog for its first-round game against powerful Governor Mifflin on Monday at Gochnauer Field in Muhlenberg.
First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
The Mustangs are in much the same position as Cedar Cliff was last year. Governor Mifflin is coming off a Berks I title and the Berks County Tournament championship.
Obviously, this team has dreams of playing well past Memorial Day.
But, these Colts won't be an easy out.
Cedar Cliff is expected to send left-hander Jordan Lawson (above) to the mound. The well-rested Lawson hasn't pitched in over a month due to an undisclosed injury. A number of Mid-Penn coaches have said he might be the best pitcher in the conference.
Plus, the Colts, who have won six of their last eight, boast an extremely potent offense that can score with the best of them.
Maybe the most important aspect of this team is the fact that it's playing without much pressure. Last year, Cedar Cliff was expected to make a deep run in both the district and state playoffs. This year, with a 12-9 record after dispatching Carlisle on Friday, no such run is expected.
In the end, that might just help the Colts.
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