CHURCHILL — The Mars softball team enjoyed a memorable ride in the 2012 season.

It came to an end Monday at Woodland Hills High School.

Greensburg Salem took the lead with three unearned runs in the bottom of the second and eliminated the Planets by a 5-2 margin in the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals.

Mars committed three errors, which led to four unearned runs, and ultimately its playoff exit. The Planets have been able to slug their way out of trouble in the past, but Greensburg Salem pitcher Jayne Oberdorf scattered six hits, struck out nine and walked just two.

“We beat up on ourselves a little bit,” said Mars coach Michele Goodworth. “In the field, we had some errors. Any other day, that's fine because we normally score more runs and come out of it on top.

“We talk about once you get on base, it's contagious,” she added. “We weren't able to keep it going.”

Early on, it appeared Mars had it going.

Haley Jones and Clare Galabinski slapped back-to-back, two-out singles in the top of the second. Kieran Salada followed with a clutch RBI base knock to right field, scoring pinch runner Randi Francis.

With a little help from the Planets (12-7), the Golden Lions (15-2) quickly answered.

Kellie Hutchinson ripped a single to left-center field, before an error at third and infield single loaded the bases. Mars pitcher Taylor Rotz induced a grounder to shortstop, but it was fumbled, allowing Hutchinson to score the tying run.

Sarah Stiffy dropped a bunt on the next pitch and Alex Garsteck was called safe at home on a bang-bang play at the plate. Claire Oberdorf drove in the final run of the inning on a fielder's choice to left field, where Galabinski fired to third to get the force out.

Greensburg Salem coach Jody Morgan believed hitting in the bottom of the inning was an important edge for her Golden Lions.

“When you're the home team, that's like having five runs right off the bat to me,” said Morgan. “I think home team is such an advantage, because you're always going to have the last at-bat no matter what.”

Mars catcher Alyse Ciafre immediately cut the deficit in half with a solo homer to lead off the top of the third. However, it turned out to be the Planets' final run of the season.

The blast over the center-field fence didn't shake Jayne Oberdorf, as the junior pitcher held Mars hitless until the top of the sixth.

“It was amazing to see Alyse Ciafre, a senior, hit a home run. It was good for her and good for the team,” said Goodworth. “Unfortunately, we didn't get that momentum changer that we expected.”

Greensburg Salem struck back in the bottom of the frame in similar fashion, as catcher Taylor Mehan smacked a solo shot to start the inning and extend the advantage to 4-2.

“She does that on a regular basis,” said Morgan of her No. 3 hitter. “That's like her seventh home run of the year.”

The Lions pushed it to 5-2 in the fourth when Sydney Bacha singled and later scored on an error.

Mars had an opportunity to cut into the advantage in the top of the sixth after Suzanne Papik and Kasey Jones hit back-to-back singles to lead off the frame. However, Oberdorf struck out the next batter, then Galabinski hit a liner right at the center fielder before a tapper back to the pitcher ended the threat.

“We had a practice last night and worked really hard,” said Goodworth. “The girls were ready. It just didn't pan out our way. ... Too many mistakes to overcome.”

Despite the loss, Mars had much to celebrate in 2012. The softball program claimed the Section 5-AAA championship and earned its first playoff appearance since 2007. The Planets picked up a postseason victory with a 6-2 first-round triumph over West Allegheny.

“We talked to those kids about it being a fantastic experience. None of them had been a part of it,” explained Goodworth. “The last four seasons, we've been rebuilding. We started out with all kinds of losses and last year we were one game out (of the playoffs) and this year we accomplished more than expected.

“Proud of every single of them,” she added. “We win as a team and we lose as a team.”

Mars 011 000 0 — 2 6 3

Greensburg Salem 031 100 x — 5 7 1

W: Jayne Oberdorf 7IP (9K, 2BB). L: Taylor Rotz 6IP (3K, 0BB).

Mars (13-7): Alyse Ciafre HR, R, RBI; Suzanna Papik 1B; Kasey Jones 1B; Haley Jones 1B; Randi Francis R; Clare Galabinski 1B; Kieran Salada 1B, RBI.

Greensburg Salem (15-2): Claire Oberdorf RBI; Taylor Mehan HR, R, RBI; Kellie Hutchinson 2B, 1B, R; Alex Garsteck R; Melissa Wagner 2-1B, R; Sydney Bacha 1B, R; Sara Stiffy 1B, RBI.