PHOTO CREDIT: MICHELLE WARDLE

RAIDERS JUST DON’T LOSE ON THE TURF

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CANFIELD, OH- When it comes to South Range teams playing in Raiders Stadium, they don’t often give up the ship.  The Ladies took a rare opportunity to defend the boat on Saturday, while their usual office dried thanks to some rare sunshine, the softball team took to the football turf.  In a commanding performance on Saturday, senior,  Gretchen Bartels led the Raiders to an emphatic 18-2 win over Girard, showcasing her offensive prowess with a standout display at the plate.

Bartels delivered a remarkable performance, driving in four runs on three hits, including a powerful home run to center field in the fourth inning, which scored two runs. She also contributed with a single in the first inning, driving in one run, and a double in the second, adding another run to her tally.

On the pitching front, Jayli Wilt demonstrated her skill, striking out 11 batters over five innings. Despite conceding three hits and two runs, Wilt’s dominant performance played a crucial role in securing the victory for South Range.

South Range wasted no time in asserting their dominance, as they surged ahead in the first inning, capitalizing on key hits from Giada Pauline, Bartels, and Solena DeJesus to take an early lead.

The Raiders extended their advantage in the second inning, capitalizing on Girard’s defensive miscues and clutch hits from Keira Brogan and Anna Aey, with Bartels once again making her presence felt with a timely double.

The offensive onslaught continued in the fourth inning, with South Range exploding for eight runs on six hits, highlighted by Wilt’s double, Bartels’ home run, and contributions from Pauline and Aey.

Abby Iceman suffered the loss for Girard, enduring a tough outing on the mound, while Brooklyn Broll started the game, facing a relentless South Range lineup.

South Range Varsity Raiders amassed an impressive total of 16 hits, with Bartels, DeJesus, and Brogan leading the charge with three hits each. Rupert, Pauline, and Wilt also made significant contributions with multiple hits, while Aey and Heidi Bartels displayed discipline at the plate, drawing two walks each.

Looking ahead, South Range will carry the momentum from their dominant performance as they set their sights on their next challenge against Hubbard, aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak in the NE8.