Jillian Brownfield’s running catch on a line drive down the left-field line to end the third inning March 21 highlighted a flawless defensive performance behind Josie Opfer, who pitched a five-inning perfect game for the Granville softball team in a 10-0 season-opening victory against Bishop Ready.
Opfer struck out five. Sydney Cottrill also caught a line drive at third base.
“This season is going to be a good one. I look forward to winning,” Opfer said. “It really is a confidence booster and nice to know that everyone is going to have each other’s back on this team.”
Aubrey Lackey drove in four runs, including hitting a two-run home run. Opfer and Carly Wollenburg added two hits and an RBI apiece. Avary King had a hit and two RBIs. Cottrill recorded a hit and two runs as eight Blue Aces had at least one hit and five drove in a run.
“It really shows how strong we can be as a team and our potential greatness for this season,” Opfer said.
Newark edges Lakewood
Emerie Brown pitched out of a seventh-inning jam against the heart of the order, preserving Newark’s 2-1 season-opening victory against visiting Lakewood.
Maygen Woody fired five shutout innings, striking out three and allowing six hits for the Wildcats, who picked up their first win under new coach Abbey McGuire. Brown pitched the final two innings, escaping after the first two Lancers reached base in the seventh.
Lauren Queen singled and scored on a passed ball in the second inning for Newark. Savannah Woody tripled and scored on Maygen Woody’s sacrifice fly in the fifth.
Allie Stimmel scored on Aleah Jackson’s groundout in the sixth for Lakewood. Stimmel allowed four hits and one earned run, striking out five, and Cora Redman led the offense with two singles.
Valley blanks Highland
Licking Valley used a four-run top of the first inning to start fast in an 8-0 season-opening victory at Highland.
Tori Baughman led the Panthers with three hits and two RBIs. Alexa Gilliam and Hailey Mueller each hit a solo home run. Chloe Cooperider and Emory Whisner added two hits and an RBI apiece. Whisner struck out 14 in a three-hit shutout.
Danville stuns NC
Danville scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to send Newark Catholic to a 5-4 loss in the season opener.
Veronica Bailey and Joanna Bailey led the Green Wave with two hits, including a double, and an RBI each. Avery Sullivan and Joanna Snider added two hits and a run apiece. Veronica Bailey also struck out 11.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Granville cruises
Camryn Goss and Ellie Brower piled up four goals apiece, fueling Granville in a 14-1 victory in the season opener at Dayton Carroll (1-1).
Evie Sanders added two goals and two assists. Ellie Gross scored two goals. Mabel Messner had a goal and four assists. Liv Diehl chipped in with a goal for the Blue Aces. Ellie Alexander made seven saves.
BOYS LACROSSE
Johnstown rolls
Logan Brown and Zeke Severs each racked up four goals and two assists on March 20 as Johnstown raced out to a 9-0 lead after one quarter and eventually earned a 17-4 victory against visiting Wilmington (0-1).
Hayden Norman added three goals and three assists, Will Taylor two goals and three assists, Gabe Schneider two goals and Warren Miller and Beckham Stranges a goal apiece for the Johnnies (1-1). Ben Smith made one save in the first half and Liam Whitley five in the second.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Roundup: Granville softball perfect in opener against Bishop Ready
Reporting by Kurt Snyder, Newark Advocate / Newark Advocate
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
