Clegg’s walk-off single lifts Lady Leopards over EF, 3-2
MONONGAHELA — In an eight-inning duel, Belle Vernon scored a big 3-2 win against Elizabeth Forward thanks to Jaelynn Clegg’s walk-off single in Section 2-AAAA softball action Thursday.
“We needed that win,” said Belle Vernon head coach Tom Rodriguez. “We don’t control our own destiny, but Elizabeth Forward can do us a favor by beating Yough.”
The Lady Leopards (9-2, 6-2) move into second place, one-half game ahead of EF and two games behind the front-running Lady Cougars. Belle Vernon and the Lady Warriors (11-2, 5-2) each have one game left against Yough.
The Lady Leopards were able to string together a couple hits in the first inning with Kourtney Gavatorta’s single followed by Bailey Parshall’s double, putting runners on second and third with one out.
Sophia Godzak’s 4-3 put out was enough to score Gavatorta to give the Lady Leopards an early 1-0 lead.
With a strong start, the Lady Leopards didn’t hesitate, adding to their lead in the second inning after Parshall struck out the side in the bottom of the first.
Mekenzie Sokol led off with a double and was successfully bunted over to third base by Vanessa Porter.
Clegg’s soft RBI groundout to the pitcher brought Sokol home and gave Belle Vernon a 2-0 lead.
Lady Warriors pitcher Kailey Larcinese was able to fend off the Lady Leopards for the next five innings.
In the bottom of the sixth, Elizabeth Forward’s Anna Resnik ended Parshall’s no-hit bid with a single, but the Lady Warriors were unable to capitalize.
The Lady Warriors would finally break through in the bottom of the seventh.
With two outs an no one on base, Taylor Ludwick was hit by a pitch and Cassidy Kern and Bri Sersevic hit back-to-back doubles, ending the shutout and tying the game 2-2.
However, the Lady Leopards wouldn’t be denied the important victory.
In the top of the eighth inning, Alex Sokol drilled a double, getting the party started for Belle Vernon.
After Mekenzie Sokol flied out, Vanessa Porter singled, putting runners on first and third with only one out. Clegg also hit a single, scoring Alex Sokol to give Belle Vernon a 3-2 lead.
Parshall pitched exceptionally well, striking out 12 in eight innings of work to pick up the win.
“When you go up against a great pitcher like Bailey, you won’t be stringing many hits together,” said Elizabeth Forward coach Harry Rutherford after the game. “Our team never quit, and I think our girls coming back was great. Overall, I’m pleased with the game.”
Clegg went 1 for 4 with two RBIs.
Sersevic went 2 for 3 with an RBI.
Next up, both teams are scheduled for non-section action with Elizabeth Forward hosting McKeesport at home on Friday and Belle Vernon traveling to Monessen on Monday.