Ellwood City Junior High Softball Team Runs Undefeated Streak to 7 Games

7 was the number of the day as the Lady Wolverines raised their record to 7-0 with a 7-0 victory over Laurel on the Spartan’s home turf.

EC’s Angie Nardone and Laurel’s Grace Kissick were locked in a pitcher’s duel that saw the game scoreless until the top of the fourth with each team managing to get just 1 base runner. Kali Barnett got the scoring started as she walked to lead off the 4th after a terrific 10 pitch at bat. She promptly stole second and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. She scored as her and Aliya Garroway executed a double steal to bring home the game’s first run. The Wolverines would get some breathing room in the fifth as they plated 4 runs. Mollie Street doubled to lead off the inning and scored quickly as Katelyn Wehman laced a double into the left field corner to bring her home. Barnett reached base after getting hit by a pitch and Garroway loaded the bases with 2 outs by way of a walk. Nardone broke the game open with a 3 run single into right field for the 5-0 lead. The young ladies would score the final two runs of the game in the sixth inning. Wehman would reach base on an infield single with two out. She advanced to second on a single by Kaylani Leos. Both would score on a 2 run triple by Kyla Servick into the right field corner.

The team ended with 8 hits on the day as 5 were for extra bases. Garroway and Wehman both finished with 2 hits. Garroway’s were both doubles and Wehman doubled and singled. Street also doubled and Servick tripled. Nardone and Leos both had singles.

Nardone was fantastic in the circle as she got the complete game shutout. In 7 innings of work, she gave up just 2 hits while whiffing 12 and walking 2.

The defense was magnificent as they finished yet another game without an error. 3rd baseman Barnett was flawless on 3 groundouts and also snared line shot for an out in the 4th inning. Nardone was athletic in the circle as she threw out 2 batters attempting to bunt. 1st baseman Grace Balin saved a double with an amazing grab on a line drive headed down the first base line and also made a terrific scoop to record an out from a throw across the diamond from Barnett. Right fielder Jenna Vetica ran down another line shot for an out and catcher Garroway gunned down the only runner that attempted to steal second base.

The Lady Wolverines will look to make it 8 straight on Wednesday evening as the Wildcats of Shenango visit Stiefel Park. First pitch is set for 6pm.