Medina posts key in in N-O softball opener

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Akron’s Madison Magill tags out Medina’s Abby Neuman at third base during the Mustangs league opening win over the Lady Tigers this afternoon at Vets Park.

Opening the league season on a high note, Medina defeated Akron 9-1 this afternoon at Vets Park in a key clash between two of last year’s Niagara-Orleans tri-champions.

Winning pitcher Lacey Kenward helped herself at the plate by banging out three hits, including a double and triple, and driving in three runs.  Her battery mate, catcher Ashlee Howell, also had a big day at the plate with a double and triple and three RBIs.

Lacey Kenward had a big day in the circle and at the plate for the Mustangs.

Abby Neuman also had two hits for the Mustangs including a double.

In the circle, Kenward allowed only 3 hits and struck out 6.

Defensively, Howell also threw out two runners trying to steal from her catchers position.

Trailing 1-0, Medina tied the game in the second inning on an RBI single by Morgan Allis and then took the lead for good at 2-1 with a third inning tally on a triple by Kenward.

The Mustangs then began to pull away by scoring three times in the fifth inning on a two-run triple by Howell and a fielders choice play off the bat of Alisha Scroger.  Singles by Cora Payne and Neuman set up that threat.

Medina then put a lock on the win by tallying four times in the sixth on an RBI double by Howell, an error and a two-run double by Kenward.  Two walks and a sacrifice bunt by Payne set the stage for the uprising.

Jessee Jonathan had two hits for Akron which is now 1-1 in N-O action.

In other N-O action, Roy-Hart, which shared the N-O title with Akron and Medina last year, bested Newfane as Jayden Townsend had two triples and four RBIs, Maddie Fry a home run and Maddy Glena a two-run single in the first inning which ignited the Lady Rams.

Roy-Hart is now 2-0 and Newfane 0-2.

Barker rallied late by scoring four runs with two out in the sixth inning and 10 more in the seventh to defeat host Albion 20-9. Kylie Miller had 5 hits with 5 RBIs and Ella Fox 5 hits with 4 RBIs for the Lady Raiders.

Barker is now 1-1 and Albion 0-2.

In a Genesee Region League contest, Oakfield-Alabama defeated Holley 17-5.