By Natalie Hanna · Staff Writer
The Grove City softball team swept Franciscan last Saturday on Senior Day, both games being called by the umpires due to the mercy rule.
It was an especially exciting day, being “the first time in about five years that we actually got to play on Senior Day,” senior catcher Kristin Tesch said.
The Wolverines quickly jumped to an 11-0 lead in the first inning of the opener, recording eight hits and using Franciscan’s eight errors to their advantage. They followed up with three more runs in the second inning, as well as another three in the fourth.
According to junior DH Alexis Jackson, the team’s energy was a huge factor in their ability to score so many runs in the first inning. Combined with the excitement of Senior Day and the gorgeous weather, it made for a positive and focused atmosphere.
Jackson and freshman first baseman Cora Myers led the offensive effort, going 3 for 4 and 3 for 3, respectively. Tesch and senior center fielder Noel Anthony had a 2-for-4 showing, with freshman shortstop Lily Meidl contributing with her own 2-for-2 showing. In addition, Myers and Tesch each put three runs on the board with RBIs.
Junior pitcher Abigail Meadors earned the victory by allowing only two hits and striking out seven batters.
Grove City totaled 16 hits and 17 RBIs in five innings, bringing the final score to 17-0.
In the nightcap, the team tallied three runs in the first inning and eight in the second, widening Grove City’s lead to 11-0. Junior left fielder Evelyn Montone scored the first run on a sacrifice-fly from Jackson to begin the game. Sophomore catcher Sydney Shay added an RBI double and later scored on an RBI single from Meidl.
The second-inning rally began with a two-run double from Myers, bringing home Montone and freshman third baseman Emma Vok. Tesch, playing DP in the second game, recorded two RBIs from a single, bringing in Jackson and Myers. Montone put three runs on the board with a double later in the inning, followed by a sacrifice-fly from Shay. The final score was 11-3.
Montone and Meidl both went 2 for 3, Montone with three RBIs. Myers, Shay and Tesch each recorded two RBIs.
Jackson pitched four innings and earned the win after allowing three runs and striking out two players. Meadors closed out the last inning and struck out two.
Prior to the doubleheader sweep, the Wolverines honored its two seniors, Anthony and Tesch.
“The seniors have had a tremendous impact on our team this year… (and) have done an incredible job of reminding us of (our team verse for the year) throughout the season,” Jackson said. The team’s verse is “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Both seniors expressed the joy they have experienced from being on the Grove City softball team, emphasizing the significance of the relationships they have formed along the way.
“As I graduate, I will look back on these seasons with gratitude for the growth, lessons and relationships that have prepared me for life beyond Grove City,” Anthony said.
After playing Geneva and Hiram this past week, the Wolverines will go on to play their last game of the regular season at 1 p.m. tomorrow versus Saint Vincent. It is promising to be an intense and competitive game, with both teams battling for the final spot in the PAC tournament.
