Softball: ELCO Builds Early Lead, Holds Off Annville-Cleona 11-9

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ELCO Builds Early Lead, Holds Off Annville-Cleona 11-9

In Myerstone on Tuesday afternoon, ELCO built an early cushion and held off a late push from Annville-Cleona to secure an 11-9 victory in a Lebanon County softball matchup.

Annville-Cleona struck first in the top of the first inning, taking advantage of an error to grab a 1-0 lead. ELCO responded quickly in the bottom half. Chloe Shirk put the Raiders in front with a two-run home run before Mallorie Bossler followed with a two-run single to help ELCO take control early.

ELCO continued to apply pressure in the second and third innings. Justine Geyer delivered an RBI double in the second, and Shirk added a two-run double in the third as the Raiders stretched their advantage.

Annville-Cleona battled back late, cutting into the deficit with a pair of sacrifice flies, a double, a single, and an error to make things interesting down the stretch. The Dutchmen finished with an 11-10 edge in hits, but ELCO was able to hold on for the two-run win.

Shirk led the way offensively for ELCO, finishing 2-4 with 2 runs, 5 RBI, a home run, and a double. Geyer went 2-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI, while Bossler added 2 hits and 2 RBI. Makayla Noll scored twice, and Kylie Cruz contributed two hits and a double.

For Annville-Cleona, Abigail Evans went 3-5 with 3 runs and a double, while Peyton Elder finished 2-5 with 2 runs, an RBI, and a double. Nia Hafey added two hits, two runs, and a walk, while Zoe Miller helped her own cause with two hits and two RBI. Temperance Brubaker also doubled and drove in a run for the Dutchmen.

In the circle, Kenzie Deeks earned the win for ELCO by going the distance. Deeks allowed 10 hits and 9 runs, though only 4 were earned, while striking out 9 and walking 4. Annville-Cleona starter Brubaker worked the first inning before Miller handled the next 5 innings in relief.

Annville-Cleona (1-1) will travel to Lebanon on Wednesday, while ELCO (3-0) heads to West York for a road matchup.

ELCO 11, Annville-Cleona 9

ELCO Leaders

Chloe Shirk: 2-4, 2 runs, 5 RBI, HR, 2B
Justine Geyer: 2-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2B
Makayla Noll: 2-5, 2 runs
Kylie Cruz: 2-3, 2B, BB
Mallorie Bossler: 2-3, 2 RBI, BB

Pitching
Kenzie Deeks: 7.0 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 9 K

Annville-Cleona Leaders

Abigail Evans: 3-5, 3 runs, 2B
Peyton Elder: 2-5, 2 runs, RBI, 2B
Nia Hafey: 2-4, 2 runs, BB
Zoe Miller: 2-4, run, 2 RBI
Temperance Brubaker: 1-3, RBI, BB, 2B

Pitching
Temperance Brubaker: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Zoe Miller: 5.0 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 6 K