Softball: Lebanon Shows Offensive Progress in High-Scoring Loss to Ephrata

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Lebanon Shows Offensive Progress in High-Scoring Loss to Ephrata

On Wednesday, Lebanon hosted Ephrata looking to continue working toward a more consistent offensive rhythm. While the final result still went against the Cedars, there were encouraging signs throughout the afternoon as Lebanon put together its most productive offensive showing of the young season in a 27-14 loss.

Ephrata struck first in the top of the 1st, using a pair of singles to grab an early lead. Kylee Dunlap drove in the opening run, helping the Mounts take control before adding another run in the 2nd on a passed ball.

But Lebanon answered in a big way in the bottom of the 2nd. The Cedars erupted for 7 runs on 5 hits to flip the game and take a 9-4 lead. Rayven Soliday delivered the biggest swing of the inning with a 2-run single, and Lebanon suddenly had all the momentum after turning an early deficit into a 5-run advantage.

That lead did not last long, however, as Ephrata responded with a huge answer of its own in the top of the 3rd. The Mounts scored 9 runs in the inning to move back in front 13-9, with Ava Baker delivering a key sacrifice bunt that brought home 2 runs. Ephrata then added 6 more runs in the 4th and 8 in the 5th to create separation in a game that stayed busy from the first inning on.

Even with the loss, Lebanon continued to compete offensively. Soliday finished 3-4 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI to lead the Cedars. Aubri Pisano also collected 3 hits, while Athena Griffiths and Nina Lampkin each added multi-hit efforts. Lampkin also worked 2 walks as Lebanon showed patience at the plate and finished with 14 hits and 5 walks as a team.

In the circle, Layla Mailloux worked all 5 innings for Lebanon. Defensively, the Cedars were tested by an Ephrata lineup that piled up 20 hits and stayed aggressive on the bases all afternoon.

Ephrata got 4 hits apiece from Emma Showalter, Dunlap, and Macy Banks. Baker drove in 5 runs and also earned the win in relief after entering the circle in the 2nd inning. The Mounts also showed pressure on the bases, stealing 11 bags in the game.

For Lebanon, the biggest takeaway was the offensive progress. After searching for rhythm early in the season, the Cedars showed they can string together quality at-bats and put pressure on opposing pitching when the lineup gets rolling.

Lebanon (0-4) is set to host Tulpehocken on Thursday.

Ephrata 27, Lebanon 14

Lebanon Leaders

Rayven Soliday: 3-4, 3 R, 4 RBI, SB, 3B
Aubri Pisano: 3-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B
Athena Griffiths: 2-4, 2 R, RBI, 3B
Nina Lampkin: 2-2, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 2B
Janiyea De Jesus: 2-4, R
Skylar Strickler: 1-3, RBI, BB, 2B
Tatiana Franco: 1-3, 2 R
Layla Mailloux: 1-3, RBI
Makenzie Swisher: R

Lebanon Pitching
Layla Mailloux: 5.0 IP, 20 H, 27 R, 16 ER, 6 BB, 2 K

Ephrata Leaders

Emma Showalter: 4-5, 4 R, 3 RBI
Kylee Dunlap: 4-5, 4 R, 2 RBI
Macy Banks: 4-5, 3 R, 4 RBI, 2B
Ava Baker: 3-3, 3 R, 5 RBI, 2B
Olivia Kramer: 2-3, 2 R, 3 RBI
Aldynne Snyder: 1-4, 3 R, RBI
Lexi Palmer: 1-3, 3 R, RBI
Olivia Sensenig: 1-5, 2 R
Piper Rudy: R, RBI
Emily Ludwig: R

Ephrata Pitching
Sophia Kramer: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Ava Baker: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K