NTL SOFTBALL: WYALUSING ROLLS PAST EJ INTO DISTRICT FINALS (2021-06-01)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
WILLIAMSPORT — Wyalusing looked in peak form as they rolled past East Juniata 11-1 in six innings during District IV, Class AA semifinal action Tuesday.

They pounded out 11 hits - four of them extra abase hits - while Hailey Jayne controlled the Tiger line-up.

“It feels really good,” said Callie Bennett, who went 2-for-2 with two runs, and 3-RBI during the contest. “We broke the ice today. We got our hitting down, and our fielding was really well.”

She was one of four Rams who had multiple hits on the day. Laci Norton (3-for-4) had two doubles, and three runs scored, London Edwards (2-for-2) scored a run, and had an RBI, and Danella Cornell (2-for-3) had a double, with 3-RBI.

“We just had to adjust to the pitcher, and put our hands to the ball first,” explained Bennett. “Our teams did a really good job doing that.”

Jenelle Johns (1-for-3) had a double, two runs, and 2-RBI, Haley McGroarty (1-for-3) scored a run, and knocked two in, with Jayne also getting an RBI. Dakota Hugo scored twice for the Rams.

Jayne was perfect through the first three innings. She would strike out six on the day, with three hits, no walks, and one earned run.

“It feels awesome,” said Jayne. “Now that our bats have come alive, and we’re playing some pretty decent defense. I felt good getting on top of the batters, and knowing that I had some defense behind me this game.”

They did much of the damage with their backs against the wall, as they scored eight runs with two outs.

“They did a nice job at the plate,” said coach John Loomis. “My assistant Brett (Jayne) does a great job with our hitters. Hailey pitched a great game, some good timely hitting…a pretty good team effort all the way around, everybody’s putting the bat on the ball.”

Norton led things off with a first pitch double in the bottom of the first inning. Two batters later Edwards would reach on an error to put runners on the corners.

That set up a 2-out single by Bennett to score Norton for a 1-0 lead. McGroarty then doubled in Edwards’ courtesy runner Hugo, and Bennett. McGroarty then scored off a Cornell double to make it 4-0 Rams.

Wyalusing got going again in the third inning, as Edwards led off with a walk. She would be caught at second base on a fielder’s choice off the bat of Johns. 

However, Bennett would walk to put two runners on, setting up a 2-out hit from Cornell that scored Johns, and Bennett, making it 6-0.

EJ got a run in the top of the fourth as Annika Martin hit a lead-off triple on the first pitch. On the second pitch Carlee Barrick singled her in to make it 6-1.

However, the Rams would get three straight outs - two of them by strikeout - to get out of the jam.

In the bottom half of the inning Wyalusing got going again, this time with Norton hitting a 1-out single. She would steal second, take third on a pass ball, then scored on a Jayne sacrifice fly.

With two outs Edwards hit a single to get the rally going again. Johns would reach on an error, then Bennett brought them both her, and Hugo, Edwards’s courtesy runner, in on a single for a 9-1 lead.

Then, in the sixth, the Rams ended the game as Norton led off with a double. After an out, Edwards singled, setting the table for Johns’ 2-run double that put them 10 runs up.

The win guarantees Wyalusing a spot in the PIAA tournament, but first they have to face Line Mountain, who defeated them two years ago in the district finals.

“They’ve got a very good pitcher,” said Loomis. “We kind of know what to expect, she’s tough, but we’re going to come and give it everything we have. We’ve played in quite a few district championships over the years, I’m hoping our kids are poised, and ready to play.”

The game is slated for Thursday, 4:30 p.m., back at Elm Park.

The pitcher they will face is Kya Matter, who defeated them two years ago in the district final.

“We’re going to practice on hitting the ball,” said Bennett. “She throws a couple pitches that were just going to work on.”

“We’re definitely going to turn the pitching machine up, staying off the high fast ball, high rise ball,” added Jayne. 

They definitely don’t need any extra motivation to get this win.

“When they beat me, and my teammates, two years ago that’s the first time I’ve ever been beaten in district play period,” said Jayne. “I want the title so bad - I cannot wait, I’m so excited.”

CUTLINE: Wyalusing’s Laci Norton connects on her first inning double against East Juniata…PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING.