FALCONS FINISH OFF UNDEFEATED TRIP TO THE BEACH
By Ty Bartell
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH SC- The Austintown-Fitch Lady Falcons’ varsity softball team wrapped up their participation in the 2024 Grand Strand Classic at Field #3, a converted baseball field at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Recreation Center, with an unblemished 3-0 record in the tournament and an undefeated 4-0 mark on the season, culminating in a dominating 19-0 victory over the Princeton, West Virginia Lady Tigers (7-5) in an early Thursday morning matchup.
From the outset, the Falcons set the tone with a commanding 9-run outburst in the top of the first inning, fueled by three hits, two hit-by-pitches, and three walks. They continued their offensive onslaught with four runs in the third inning and five more in the fourth, invoking the mercy rule to conclude the contest.
Leading the charge were the dynamic Ray sisters, who occupied the top two spots in the lineup. Freshman center fielder Kaliana Ray showcased her prowess, going 3-for-3 with a walk, including a triple and a pair of doubles, while scoring every time she reached base. Senior shortstop Ayla Ray made her presence felt with six RBIs, highlighted by an inside-the-park grand slam home run, her second homer of the season, to cap the explosive opening frame. She also contributed with RBI singles in the third and fourth innings. Both ladies contributed with some dynamic defensive plays.
Sophomore catcher Kylie Folkwein added three RBIs, including a two-run triple, while sophomore infielder-pitcher Jewels Farmer chipped in with an RBI infield single as a pinch-hitter in the fourth.
On the defensive side, junior pitcher Sydnie Watts and senior designated player/left-handed pitcher Vita Kelty combined for a four-inning no-hitter, supported by a strong defensive effort from their teammates. Watts, a Georgia Tech verbal commit, recorded four RBIs with a bases-clearing double in the first inning and another RBI double in the fourth.
Additional contributions came from various players, including sophomore second baseman Sam Severn, who went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, and sophomore infielder Abby Toth, who walked and scored a run.
With the victory, Austintown-Fitch improves to 4-0 on the season and looks to build on their early success. Fans can stay updated with Austintown-Fitch softball throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN.
