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.
