LaGrange. M-W Varsity Softball Team looks to make another run at Section 9 title

On a cloudy Wednesday afternoon, April 28, the Crusaders softball team took the field for a game for the first time in more than a year.

The team traveled up to Lagrange NY to face the Arlington Admirals in a non-league match up.

The Crusaders look very strong again this year and are looking to make another run at the Section 9 title.

Brianna Roberts got the Crusaders going in the first inning when she singled, then stole second but was thrown out at home on Emma Lawson’s double.

From that point on the game turned into a real pitcher’s duel between the Crusaders Roberts and the Admirals Morgan Pepe. After the Lawson double in the first, Pepe set down set down 15 Crusaders in a row with a mix of off speed pitches.

In the top of the 6th inning, Crusader centerfielder Danielle Ryan reached first on a beautiful bunt with two outs.

Roberts came up next and lined a triple to right center that scored Ryan and the Crusaders took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the 6th inning.

Meanwhile, Roberts ,who had set down 13 Admirals in a row since giving up a single in the third inning ran, into a jam in the bottom of the seventh with two outs.

After giving up a double she walked the next batter, but with two outs and a one-run lead the game was on the line.

Crusader Head Coach Penny Roberts called a time out and talked to Brianna who responded by striking out the next batter to pick up the opening day victory.

Brianna’s opening day performance included 15 strikeouts while allowing only three hits on the mound and two hits including the game-winning RBI triple.

The Crusader victory makes their record 1-0.

- William Dimmit