Ada hosts Cory-Rawson on March 30, weather permitting

By Cort Reynolds

DOLA – The visiting Ada softball team rallied late to beat county rival Hardin Northern 23-17 on a wet and cold evening to open the season Monday evening.

Ada led 3-1 after the first inning, but HN tied it 4-4 after two frames.

The Lady Bulldogs edged ahead 7-6 after three innings. A seven-run fourth inning put Ada ahead 14-6, but Northern responded by plating six runs in the home fourth to edge within two.

The hosts then knotted the back and forth battle 14-14 with a pair of runs in the home fifth.

Ada then exploded for eight runs in the sixth inning to rally and post the win.

CONTINUES

Bulldog senior Kayla Wince smacked a key two-run double in the eight-run outburst.

Wince walked to lead off the big sixth inning, followed by a Polar Bear error. After a foul out, Jenna Bassitt singled home Wince. Starting catcher Natilyn McClain swatted a single, followed by a walk from Belah Price.

After a fielder’s choice, Katie Sizemore reached on another fielder’s choice. Wince then slammed her two-run double. 

“It was tough conditions for both teams to play in for pitching and fielding,” said Ada head coach Jeff Bassitt. “Jenna pitched the whole game in a coat.

“Our baserunning was good,” he continued. “Both pitchers had a hard time in cold conditions. Hats off to both teams and pitchers for playing in the cold and wet.”

Wince slugged a double and two singles to lead the 16-hit Ada attack.

Winning pitcher Bassitt struck out nine Polar Bears and also stroked three singles. McClain contributed three singles.

Ada sophomore Tess Griffith hit a seventh-inning double and added a single.

Freshman Alainee Buxton legged out a bunt single, while classmate Marley Bulerin had a bunt hit in a substitute catcher role. 

McClain, Wince, Bassitt and Aidra Preston each swiped four bases.

HN was led by Catherine Overs, who hit a triple and a single. Ava Hopson and Heidi Trachsel each smacked a pair of singles.

Jenna Legg struck out five Bulldogs as the Lady Bear relief hurler.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E

Ada 3 1 3 7 0 8  1 23 16 4

HN 1 3 2 6 2 2  1 17 6 5

WP-Bassitt (1-0)

LP-Legg (0-1)

2B-Griffith (A), Wince (A)

3B-Overs (HN)

The Bulldogs (1-0) are slated to visit Lima Senior Wednesday, March 29.

Ada plays host to non-conference rival Cory-Rawson Thursday, March 30 in the home opener, weather permitting.