Slow-Pitch Softball News

by: Slow-Pitch Softball Contributor

Despite a 3-run homer from Claudia Kushon and two solo shots from Amara Daugherty, the North Allegheny Varsity Tigers dropped Game 1 to Montour, 12-8, on Sunday.

Montour struck first in the opening inning with a home run from Cayleigh Freeman. Kushon answered with a three-run shot in the top of the third, giving the Tigers a 4-3 lead.

The teams traded runs until the fifth inning, when Anna Kovacic singled down the right-field line to score Lily Daugherty and tie the game at 6-6. Montour quickly regained control, going ahead 8-6 in the bottom half of the inning.

In the sixth, A. Daugherty cut the deficit to one with a solo homer to center field, but Montour responded with two more home runs in the bottom half to push the lead to 12-7. The Tigers added one more run in the seventh, but the comeback fell short.

Viola Laswell started in the circle for North Allegheny, allowing 14 hits and 12 runs (11 earned) over 5.1 innings, with five walks.

At the plate, the Tigers collected 13 hits. Kushon led the way with three RBIs, going 2-for-3. Both Lily and Amara Daugherty tallied three hits each, while Kovacic added two. Olivia Klaich, Laswell, and Ava Combs each contributed a hit. North Allegheny also turned one double play in the game.

Montour finished with 16 hits and turned a double play of their own.

In Game 2, the Tigers were tripped up by Montour, 14-1.

Montour jumped out early, scoring three runs in the first inning, two more in the second, and five runs on six hits in the third.

The Tigers got on the board in the bottom of the fifth when Laswell launched a solo home run to left field.

Laswell also started in the circle, allowing 12 hits and nine runs over four innings with one walk. L. Daugherty entered in relief, giving up five runs.

At the plate, North Allegheny collected four hits: Laswell, Zoey Bornt, Megan Sweeney, and Kushon each recorded one. On the field, Laswell stood out defensively, making five plays.

Montour tallied 18 hits in the win.

Next up for the Tigers is a home matchup against Bethel Park on Sunday. This doubleheader will be broadcast on the North Allegheny Sports Network starting at noon.