Softball: Cedar Crest Edges Palmyra In LebCo Pitchers’ Duel

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Cedar Crest Edges Palmyra In LebCo Pitchers’ Duel

Strong pitching was the story Friday as Cedar Crest did just enough offensively to earn a 3-1 win over Palmyra in a game that was shortened to five innings as steady rain moved over the Valley.

With both teams getting steady work in the circle, offense was tough to come by for much of the afternoon. Cedar Crest finally broke through in the 3rd inning, taking advantage of traffic on the bases and a Palmyra miscue to plate all three of its runs. Ali Groff sparked the rally with a single, while Angi Orosco and Ava Rosario each helped bring runs home as the Falcons grabbed control.

That proved to be enough support for Addison Nolen, who turned in an impressive outing for Cedar Crest. Nolen worked all 5 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 unearned run while striking out 5 and walking 4. She kept Palmyra from ever building much momentum, and Cedar Crest backed her with enough defense and patience at the plate to finish off the win.

Cedar Crest managed just 4 hits, but the Falcons made them count and consistently created pressure by drawing 7 walks. Elli Malinoski, Mia Lutz, with both both doubling. Groff had 2 hits in the game. Orosco and Rosario each drove in a run, while Jackie Funderburk and Orosco paced the patient approach with 2 walks apiece.

Palmyra got hits from Ellie Bullard and Kate Shenk, with both recording doubles. The Cougars also got a solid relief effort from Emalyn Funck, who worked 2 scoreless innings and did not allow a hit after replacing starter Anna Crawford. Crawford struck out 5 over her 3 innings of work, while Funck added 2 strikeouts in relief.

Despite being limited to 2 hits, Palmyra scratched across its lone run and stayed within striking distance throughout, but Cedar Crest’s combination of timely offense and strong pitching was enough to hold the lead.

With the win, Cedar Crest improved to 2-0 and will host Conestoga Valley on Monday.

For Palmyra, the matchup served as the Cougars’ season opener. Palmyra fell to 0-1 and will look to build on the positives when it hosts Ephrata on Monday.

Cedar Crest 3, Palmyra 1

Box Score

Cedar Crest Leaders

Ali Groff: 2-3, 1 walk, 1 stolen base
Elli Malinoski: 1-3, 1 run, double
Mia Lutz: 1-3, double
Angi Orosco: 0-0, 2 walks, 1 RBI
Ava Rosario: 0-2, 1 RBI

Pitching
Addison Nolen: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 5 K

Palmyra Leaders

Ellie Bullard: 1-3, double
Kate Shenk: 1-2, double
Grace Morrison: 0-2, 1 stolen base
Marie McCracken: 0-1, 1 run, 1 walk

Pitching
Anna Crawford: 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
Emalyn Funck: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K