Pirate scheduled opener vs. Leipsic was postponed due to high winds

By Cort Reynolds

LIMA – The Ada High School softball team opened its season with a convincing 13-3 victory at Lima Senior on a windy and cool Monday evening, March 24.

“We had several girls get hits, and everyone got to play,” said fourth-year Ada head coach Jeff Bassitt.

The Bulldogs plated eight runs in the third inning to break open a scoreless tie and pave a path to the win.

Ada starts out 1-0 after the non-league triumph, while LS fell to 0-1.

Bulldog senior Jenna Bassitt hurled the first five innings in the contest to earn the win. She struck out 11 Spartans and allowed three runs. 

Sophomore Reese Jordan shut out LS over the final two frames and whiffed three. She also hit a double for the Ada extra-base hit.

Bassitt, senior Karley Wagner, sophomore Dailah Preston, freshman Emily Shanks, senior Tess Griffith and senior Aidra Preston smacked the Bulldog hits. 

Ada sophomore Gabby Fleming filled in for ill senior Natilyn McClain behind the plate. “Gabby did a nice job catching,” said Bassitt. “It was nice to get the win.”

Losing pitcher Angie Kohlhofer hit a home run and singled to pace the Spartan offense. The sophomore struck out five Bulldogs. 

Mallory Gipson also launched a home run for Lima Senior.

Ada out-hit Lima Senior, 9-4. The Bulldogs led 8-0 after their outburst in the top of the third, but the Spartans plated three runs in the home third behind the two homers. 

Ada tacked on one run in each of the fourth, sixth and seventh innings. The Bulldogs also scored two runs in the fifth to help put the game out of reach.

Ada plays at Elida Thursday, then entertains LCC (0-1) in the home opener Saturday at 11 a.m. The Thunderbirds lost their opener 8-2 at Waynesfield Monday.

The Bulldogs visit county rival Hardin Northern March 31, then travel to another local foe in ex-NWC rival Bluffton April 1. The Pirate scheduled opener vs. Leipsic Monday was postponed due to high winds.

WP-Bassitt (1-0) LP-Kohlhofer

2B-Jordan (A)

HR-Kohlhofer (LS), Gipson (LS)