COUDERSPORT — After racing out to an early lead on Thursday, the Port Allegany softball team very nearly threw it away. But some timely ninth-inning hitting allowed the Lady Gators to defeat Coudersport 8-7 after two extra frames.
The Lady Gators jumped out to a 5-0 lead to start the game. But Coudersport would come back and eventually tie the game in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run home run by Shaelyn Black.
But Port A regained its composure in extra innings and took advantage of a Coudy error as Cailey Barnett scored the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth.
Kierra Keck went 4-for-4 with a home run and 3 RBI to lead Port Allegany at the plate, while Makenzie Burr (4-for-5, 2 RBI) and Barnett (2-for-5, double) also had solid games.
Burr also finished with nine strikeouts, one walk, and 11 hits on the mound.
Madison Smith finished with nine strikeouts, five walks, and 10 hits for Coudy on the mound, while Paiton Whipple went 3-for-5 with a double at the plate.
“We didn’t show up until the fourth inning,” Coudy coach Dan Counts said. “We left seven girls in scoring position. We just weren’t ready to go. Give Port Allegany credit; they scrapped, they put the ball in play. They made plays when they needed to.”
Coudersport (1-1) will host Otto-Eldred on Saturday.
Portville 10, Otto-Eldred 0
DUKE CENTER — The Lady Terrors were blanked at home on Thursday as Portville used a balanced attack to score the win.
Karly Welty (2-for-4 RBI), Hailey Unverdorben (2-for-3, double, 3 RBI), and Kara Howard (2-for-4, triple, 2 RBI) all had big days at the plate for the Lady Panthers.
Portville starter Sydney Colligan finished with 11 strikeouts, five walks, and four hits.
Otto-Eldred’s Alyssa Shelander struck out four while allowing three walks and 12 hits.
The Lady Terrors (1-1) will visit Coudersport on Saturday.
Galeton 12, Oswayo Valley 2, 5 innings
SHINGLEHOUSE — Makaya Shadle led the Tigers on the mound and at the plate in Thursday’s five-inning victory.
Shadle struck out six and walked five as the winning pitcher, while also hitting a solo home run.
After trailing 2-1 early, Galeton used a six-run third inning to break things open.
OV’s Karina West struck out seven and walked eight on the mound. Shayla Bickel and Karley Carpenter scored Oswayo Valley’s pair of runs.
“We made a lot of little mistakes,” OV coach Tim Morey said. “We’ve got a lot of new players in new spots.”
Oswayo Valley (1-2) will host Bradford on Tuesday.
Smethport 12, Cameron County 4
EMPORIUM — The Lady Hubbers used a five-run third inning to triumph in their season opener over Cameron County on Thursday.
Sam Tanner led the way with a pair of home runs and 4 RBI, including a three-run shot in that big third frame. Alana Durphy also added a solo homer in the third. Abbey Woodard (2-for-5, double) and Heidi Lent (2-for-4) also contributed at the plate for Smethport.
Emily Treat was the winning pitcher, striking out six while allowing just four hits and five walks.
“I was pleased with how we hit the ball,” Smethport coach Jon Peterson said. “Emily Treat pitched a good game and we played good defense.”
Laila Smith finished with eight strikeouts, 10 hits, and six walks on the mound for Cameron County while also going 2-for-4 at the plate.
Smethport (1-0) will travel to Eisenhower on Saturday.
