DUKE CENTER — Otto-Eldred Softball was able to celebrate Kate Rhinehart’s 100th strikeout of the season in a 7-2 win over Smethport.
After three quick strikeouts from Rhinehart, the Lady Terrors began their offensive attack early on.
After a single from Jessi Hall and a double from Kyla Andreano put baserunners on second and third for O-E, a Carrie Drummond ground ball drove both of them in to make it 2-0. A pair of walks put baserunners in scoring position and a sacrifice fly from Angelina Walker sent one final score in to cap off the strong start to give O-E a 3-0 lead.
Smethport was able to get their offense going in their second at-bat. Janelle Dinch was hit by a pitch to put a runner on base. A pair of hits advanced Dinch to third base where she would steal home plate to put the Lady Hubbers on the board. Midway through two innings, the Lady Terros held on to a 3-1 lead. With a strikeout to end the inning, Rhinehart reached 100 strikeouts on the season.
“She (Rhinehart) has been our main pitcher all year,” said Otto-Eldred coach Kristina Francis She has had to wait behind Bri Heller who now pitches at Pitt Bradford and before that Abby Wolfe. She has been patient for her moment, and she has had a strong season for us.”
In the top of the fourth Smethport cut deeper into the O-E lead. Elizabeth Hungiville hit a deep fly ball that allowed her to reach second. She would be driven in when Hope Peterson’s RBI single to make it 3-2.
After going two innings without a score, the Lady Terrors responded with some big hits. Andreano hit a solo home run to center and, after a Rhinehart single, she stole second to move into scoring position. Rayel Hakes hit a pop fly past the right fielder for a triple and another O-E run. This offensive retaliation put the Lady Terrors up 5-3 at the end of the fourth inning.
In their next at-bat, O-E continued their offensive momentum. An error on an Ayla VanScoter ground ball allowed her to get on base. She stole second and third base before Cali Windsor hit a line drive to drive VanScoter in. Hall hit a single and Andreano drove her in by hitting a double on a deep pop fly to center field. This extended the Lady Terror lead 7-2 after six innings.
Smethport was able to get a hit in their final at bat, but the defense would stop them from gaining momentum. Rhinehart finished the game off with a final strikeout to make 15 on the afternoon and secured a 7-2 win.
“I am really proud of the girls,” said Smethport head coach John Peterson. “We made them put the ball in play. Otto got some clutch hits when it was still 3-2. It was a good softball game all around for both teams.”
The Lady Terrors were led by Andreano who went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and Drummond who went 1-for-3 with two RBIs. The Lady Hubbers were led by Peterson who went 2-for-3.
“We have been solid,” Francis said. “We have held most of our opponents past 15 games to two or less runs so I am happy with how our defense has been playing. We are happy with the season so far and we are looking forward to next week for the playoffs”
AT DUKE CENTER
R H E
Smethport 010 100 0 2 3 2
Otto-Eldred 300 220 X 7 10 2
Smethport: Colley ( 2 SO, 4 BB) and Dinch
Otto-Eldred: Rhinehart ( 15 SO, 0 BB) and Drummond
