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Down goes the champ! Lady Indians knock off Antolopes

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: June 8, 2023

CRESSON – To be the best, you have to beat the best!

No phrase better describes the situation the Juniata girls softball team faced Thursday night against returning PIAA state champion, Avonworth.

Not only were the Lady Indians up for the challenge, the handed the Lopes a 6-1 defeat.

With the win, Juniata cruises to a final four contest adding to the numerous list of accomplishments for this year’s team.

Juniata pitching sensation Liz Gaisior was again an overpowering figure in the circle as she allowed only three hits on the night while setting down 15 via the strikeout.

Offensively, the Lady Indians Sophie Smith and teammate Shalelyn Armstrong both went yard. Smith finished with three RBIs while Armstrong posted two en route to the victory.

The Lopes pitcher Alivia Lantzy allowed two earned runs on three hits while striking out nine.
Offensively, the Antalopes were led by Rylee Gray (1-3), Cassie Heinauer (1-3 with 1 RBI), and Layne Shinsky (1-3 with a triple).

Juniata posted the first runs of the game, coming in the second inning.

Savannah Marshall got on base via a miscue by Avonworth.

Armstrong made the best of the situation, posting a 2-run roundtripper.

The Antelopes rallied back in the fourth to cut the contest to 2-1.

Juniata adds some insurance runs in the sixth as the inning is highlighted by a Smith 3-run home run which help lead to the 4-run inning.

With a 5-run cushion, that was all Gaisior and the Indians needed as they completed another chapter in its historic season.