HERALDS OVERPOWER TROJANS AT THE PLATE
Ashtabula, OH- The St. John Heralds opened their OHSAA softball playoff run with a dominant 13-3 victory over the Sebring Trojans on Monday. Isabelle Holler, the Heralds’ right-handed pitcher, was the star of the show, striking out an impressive 13 batters in five innings of work.
The Trojans drew first blood in the top of the first inning. Keira Berger smacked a double, driving in two runs, and Kristal Giron followed with an RBI single to give Sebring an early 3-0 lead. However, the Heralds responded swiftly in the bottom half of the frame, as Nadia Lagoa drew a walk, and Caitlyn Carney singled to tie the game at 3-3.
The second inning proved to be the turning point, as the Heralds erupted for five runs on five hits to seize an 8-3 advantage. Alyssa Cevera delivered the decisive blow, a triple that plated one run. The Heralds added another run in the third when Emma Hutchins worked a walk, extending their lead to 9-3.
Holler was masterful on the mound, allowing just four hits and three runs while issuing only one free pass. Allison Hoschar, Sebring’s starting pitcher, struggled with her control, surrendering 10 hits and 13 runs (nine earned) in four innings, striking out one and walking 11.
Rylee Frasure led the Heralds’ offensive charge, driving in three runs while going 2-for-2 at the plate. Cevera, Frasure, and Carney each collected two hits apiece, while Holler, Gianna Torres, and Frasure displayed patience at the plate, drawing two walks each. The Heralds’ aggressive baserunning also paid dividends, as they swiped seven bases, with Holler and Frasure accounting for multiple steals.
For the Trojans, Berger provided a bright spot, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs. Raegan Wynn, Blake Thomas, Berger, and Giron each recorded one hit in the losing effort.
With the victory, the St. John Heralds advance to the Sectional Finals of the OHSAA playoffs, where they will face the Canton Central Catholic Crusaders on Wednesday.
