BEDFORD — It wasn't the way the Moniteau softball team wanted to follow up the first District 9 title in program history.

Collecting just one unearned run on four hits, Moniteau dropped a 6-1 decision to Everett in a PIAA Class AA first-round playoff game at Bedford High School on Monday.

"Anytime a season comes to an end, it's tough," said Moniteau coach Dan Hindman.

Moniteau watched Everett gain control with a three-run fourth inning, which gave the District 5 champions a 5-1 edge.

With one out, Alisa Shaw scored on a wild pitch from Moniteau's Martina Burk.

Three batters later, Morgan Barkman singled home Jessica Beegle and Amy Miller.

Burk struck out four and didn't walk a batter in a complete-game effort, but Everett's lineup tallied 11 hits against her.

"Martina wasn't hitting her spots like she's used to," Hindman said. "Plus, Everett's hitters were very aggressive at the plate today."

Meanwhile, Moniteau's offense never solved the riddle of Andrea Layton.

Layton, a junior who was a catcher for Everett when the team made the state playoffs last season, struck out seven and walked one in the victory.

She surrendered the last of Moniteau's four hits when Megan Campbell singled to center field in the top of the fourth inning.

Campbell later was thrown out trying to steal second base.

Layton walked Moniteau first baseman Maura McCaslin with one out in the fifth, but retired the final eight batters she faced to end the game.

"She did a great job today," said Everett coach Junior Bennett. "She was able to keep Moniteau's hitters off-balance with her changeup."

After Everett (19-2) took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, Moniteau responded by taking advantage of the former's lone error.

With Alex Guercio standing on first base following an infield single, Ashley Pisor smacked a two-out single to right field.

Guercio raced around second and was pulling up at third base when Everett right-fielder Sara Clark's throw ended up in foul territory, allowing Guercio to score to tie the game.

Everett reclaimed the lead in the next half inning, however, when Layton's double down the right-field line plated Miller for a 2-1 lead.

Though the 2007 season ended with a disappointing loss, Moniteau's softball team turned in a memorable season with the district title.

"I'll always remember the way Martina pitched down the stretch and in the playoffs," said Hindman. "And the whole team just came together. To my knowledge, no (Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference) team had ever won the district title until we did it this year. It's usually a team like Brookville or Clearfield."

Playing their final game for Moniteau (12-8) were seniors Megan Campbell, Brandy Neff, Martina Burk and Krystal Rykal.

Moniteau 001 000 0—1 4 2Everett 011 310 x—6 11 1Martina Burk and Amber Neff; Andrea Layton and Jessica Beegle.

W: Layton (7 K, 1 BB).

L: Burk (4 K, 0 BB).

Moniteau (12-8): Ashley Pisor 1B, Brandy Neff 1B, Megan Campbell 1B, Alex Guercio 1B R

Everett (19-2): Amy Miller 2-1B 2R SB, Morgan Barkman 1B 2 RBI, Andrea Layton 1B 2-2B 2R RBI, Alisa Shaw 2-1B R RBI, Macy Foor 1B RBI, Kayla Nave 2B, Jessica Beegle 1B R