Seems like old times: Lady Eagles triumphant in return to Milesburg

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: May 6, 2024

Photos by Tim Weight
By Kenny Varner

MILESBURG – Back to their roots.

The Bald Eagle Area’s softball team was back at their old homestead Monday at the Milesburg Softball Complex as they hosted Williamsport in a non-league contest.

It felt like old times for the Lady Eagles as they broke open a close contest in the fourth, plating five runs en route to the 9-1 victory.

“We had a very strong defense tonight. We hit the ball well tonight,” said Bald Eagle Area coach Don Lucas. “We knew Williamsport was young but much bigger than us. But we showed up to play and won all three phases of the games and Sierra Albright had a strong outing.”

Highlighting the night for the Eagles was Ava Stere’s solo blast over the centerfield scoreboard to start the fourth inning.

Stere had the hot bat on the afternoon as she went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a run.

Teammate Kailey Eckert finished with a 2-for-4, run, RBI effort in the win.

Williamsport was led at the plate by Brenna Becker who went 2-for-3, and scored a run. She finished with a double and a single.

Teammate Brenna Beck doubled and notched an RBI.

The Lady Millionaires hit the ball well but right at the tough Lady Eagle squad.

After giving up a run in the first, the Williamsport defense played aggressively throwing out two Bald Eagle runners trying to steal second.

But things started to unravel for the Millionaires, giving up a five run fourth.

“Today was a mish mash of defensive rotations that we have. Five different pitchers threw. We different catchers and first basemans,” said Williamsport coach Chase Smith. “Which is all that we are trying to get to is that you can play anywhere, anytime to contribute. A couple of bunts in a row got the best of us.”

Picking up the win for the Eagles was Sierra Albright as she went the distance, scattering three hits while striking out eight.

Taking the loss was starter Haley Stahl.

Bald Eagle Area got the scoring started notching a run in the first inning.

Eckert hustled out a grounder that went past the pitcher, putting her safely on first.

She was caught stealing for the first out. She advanced to second d on a wild pitch.

Addie Burns followed with a walk.

Stere smacked her first hit of the day, a blast into centerfield, scoring Burns on the play.

Both defenses would put up scoreless innings in the second and third.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Eagles made a quick statement.

Stere led off the inning with a solo blast that cleared the outfield scoreboard, upping it to a 2-0 advantage.

Sydney Thompson followed with a single to right.

Alexa Baney put down a bunt and reached on an Williamsport miscue, moving Thompson to third.

Taylor Habovick also layed down a second consecutive bunt, putting runners on first and second and scoring Thompson.

Alyssa King reached on a second Williamsport error in the inning, scoring Baney.

Two fielders choice grounders by Kendra Uberti and Eckert, giving the Lady Eagles a strong 6-0 advantage.

Williamsport refused to give up as they rallied to pick up a run in the sixth inning.

Beck reached on a soft bloop hit, setting the stage for Robinson. Robinson did not disappoint as she roped a shot into the gap in right, scoring Beck.

But that would be a close as the Millionaires would get.

The Lady Eagles added on three runs in the bottom of the inning to secure the victory.

Bald Eagle Area 9, Williamsport 1

WIL 000 001 0 – 1 2 3

BEA 100 503 x – 9 11 0

WP: Sierra Albright

LP: Haley Stahl

Multiple hits: WIL – Brenna Becker 2-for-3, Run. BEA – Ava Stere 3-for-4 3RBIs, run, Kailey Eckert 2-for-4, run, RBI.

HR: WIL – None. BEA – Ava Stere .

3B: WIL – None. BEA – None.

2B: WIL – Ashlyn Robinson, Brenna Beck. BEA – Sydney Thompson, Addie Burns.