Albion downs Barker in N-O softball opener

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Kenzi Hapeman slides into second base ahead of a tag by Barker shortstop Sydnie Luckman. Barker second baseman Mia Herman backs up the play. The action took place during the Purple Eagles league opening win over the host Lady Raiders this afternoon.

Rebounding from a three run first inning deficit, Albion rallied to down host Barker 9-6 this afternoon in a season opening Niagara-Orleans League softball game.

In the other N-O openers, Akron defeated Roy-Hart 14-2 and Wilson bested rival Newfane 12-1.

Barker grabbed the quick 3-0 first inning lead on singles by Tess Coen and Chloe Lee, two walks and a pair of errors.

Albion though answered back two take a 4-3 lead by scoring once in the second on a wild pitch and three times in the third on an RBI single by winning pitcher Leah Pritchard and a two-run single by Faith Woody.

Barker did retie the contest at 4-4 with  run in the bottom of the fourth as Lee tripled and came home on a fielders choice play but the Lady Raiders could not regain the lead.

Albion moved back o top to stay at 6-4 by scoring twice in the top of the fifth on an RBI single by Aly Knaak and a fielders choice play off the bat of Woody. A single by Emani Poole ignited the inning.

The Lady Raiders did cut the deficit to 6-5 on an RBI single by Mia Herman in the bottom of the sixth but could get no closer.

The Purple Eagles got that run back with interest by tallying three times in the top of the seventh on a two-run single by Kenzi Hapeman and  sacrifice fly by Ryan Olles for a 9-6 lead. Singles by Woody and Mya Knaak followed by a walk loaded the bases to set up the opportunity.

Pritchard, Olles, Poole, Woody and Bryne Dysard each finished with two hits for the Purple Eagles. Olles’ hits were a double and triple. Olivia Bieber also had a double.

Lee had two hits for Barker.

In the circle, Pritchard scattered 6 hits and struck out 7.

Albion next hosts rival Medina and Barker hosts Akron on Friday.

Barker catcher Anna Bowerman tags out Albion’s Ryan Olles at home.