Lady Rams bats sizzle early; holds on after Bellefonte comeback attempt, win 13-7

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: April 5, 2019

By Kenny Varner

BELLEFONTE – It’s not always how you start, it’s how you finish.

Hanging on the edge of ending their game against Penns Valley by a 10-run rule in the bottom of the fifth, the Red Raiders, who were trailing 11-1 came through with two runs to keep the game going.

Not only did extend the game but took the Rams to the full seven before falling 13-7.

The Bellefonte Softball outscored Penns Valley 6-2 in the final three inning, bringing up the spirits of the players.

However, Bellefonte Coach Travis Foster takes the responsibility for the slow start for the Lady Raiders.

“I need to do a better job of preparing us in practice, and pregame, to have us ready to go on game day,” Foster said. “If we come out without energy and not prepared, that’s on me.”

Offensively, the Rams came in with its bats sizzling, defeating East Juniata Wednesday 23-0.

“ They’ve been really putting the bat on the ball. The whole season we have put the bat on the ball. Put the ball in play and good things will happen,” said Penns Valley coach Tessa Deardorff. “They’ve been doing a great job.”

Early on, the Rams started where they left off, posting five runs in the two innings.

Leading the offense on the night for Penns Valley were Allie O’Brien (4-for-4 2RBI, 2 runs), Kaylah Thompson (3-for4 2RBI) and Kendra Bumgardner (3-for-5 2RBI).

Bellefonte’s offense were led by Mallorie Smith (2-for-4 2RBI), Hanna Lauck (2-for-5 2RBI) and Sara DeHaas (2-for-3).

Lydia Collison picked up the win for Penns Valley while Emily Pugh took the loss.

In the first, Collison led off taking one for the team as she was hit by a pitch.

She later scored on a double by Kendra Bumgardner, making it 1-0.

Bellefonte rallies back in the first and threatened early, loading the bases.

Smith led off with a single but was put out in a fielders choice by Emma DeHaas.

Hannah Lauck reached as she hit a slow single.

Lexi Rogers loaded the bases as she was also hit by a pitch.

But the Rams were able to get out of the inning unscathed as they picked up consecutive outs to keep the lead.

Ryah Thompson reaches on a Red Raiders miscue and moved up to second on a sacrifice.

Ryleigh Cain blasted a shot to left center that cleared the fence for the 2-run home run.

O’Brien and Thompson Both later scored after posting singles.

Holding a 5-0 advantage, Penns Valley bent but didn’t break as it once again saw Bellefonte load the bases.

Lizzi Przbys singled into right to start the inning.

Makenna Port joined Przbys on the base paths.

With one out, Smith notched her second hit, scoring Przbys.

After posting a second out, the Rams would make possibly the play of the game when Kailen Winkleblech robbed Lauck of a 3-run slam.

“Early on we hit the ball to center that looked like it was going out. They made a fantastic play,” Foster said. “That was a big momentum shift. That kind of took a little wind out of our sails. After that we made a few errors it gave them a few chances, a few extra outs which led to some extra runs. But we battled. We battled back and gave them everything we had. We came up short.”

Penns Valley extended the lead to 11-1 with three runs in both the fourth and the fifth.

With their backs against the wall, the Red Raiders picked up two crucial runs to keep the game going.

Port and Lily Gardner scored. Gardner scored Port on a double to left while DeHaas doubled in Gardner.

Bellefonte added two runs in the fifth and seventh to cut it to 13-7 but it was too little too late as the Rams hung onto the victory to improve to 3-3 on the year.

“When we lose, it’s on me, always,” added Foster.

But the Lady Raiders battled to the end, never giving up despite the large lead, something that is taught and is led by example.

Penns Valley 13, Bellefonte 7

PV 143 300 2- 13 13 1

BE 010 220 2 – 7 11 3

WP: Lydia Collison

LP: Emily Pugh

Multiple hitters: Penns Valley – Allie O’Brien 4-for-4 2RBI, 2 runs, Kaylah Thompson 3-for4 2RBI, Kendra Bumgardner 3-for-5 2RBI. Bellefonte – Mallorie Smith 2-for-4 2RBI, Hanna Lauck 2-for-5 2RBI, Sara DeHaas 2-for-3.

HR: Penns Valley -Ryleigh Cain, Avelyn VanHeyst. Bellefonte – None.

3B: None.

2B: Penns Valley – Kendra Bumgardner 2, Allie O’Brien. Hanna Lauck, Emma DeHaas.