Softball: Palmyra Turns Early Sparks into First Win, Downs Ephrata 12-6

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Palmyra Turns Early Sparks into First Win, Downs Ephrata 12-6

Palmyra started the season 0-2, including a Tuesday loss to Hershey. But even in those early setbacks, the Cougars showed some sparks. On Wednesday, those flashes came together into a fire as Palmyra broke into the win column with a 12-6 victory over Ephrata at Arnold Sports Center.

Ephrata grabbed the early lead in the top of the 1st when Macy Banks drew a walk that forced in a run, but Palmyra answered immediately in the bottom half and did so in a big way.

The Cougars surged in front 4-1 in the 1st. Kate Shenk tripled and drove in a run, then Emalyn Funck delivered the biggest blow of the inning when she launched a three-run homer to left field, putting Palmyra in control.

After Ephrata picked up another run to make it 4-2, Palmyra added on in the 3rd. Marie McCracken came through with an RBI single down the left field line, stretching the Cougars’ lead to 5-2.

Palmyra’s lineup kept the pressure on throughout the afternoon, piling up 14 hits and consistently creating traffic on the bases. Sophie Cunningham and Funck each drove in 3 runs, while Shenk, McCracken, and Anna Crawford all turned in multi-hit performances. Ava Walmer helped spark the patient approach with 3 walks, and McCracken swiped 2 bases as Palmyra totaled 6 steals in the game.

In the circle, Funck earned the win after working the first 4 innings. She allowed 2 hits and 4 runs, though only 1 of those was earned, while striking out 7 and walking 4. Crawford came on in relief and helped finish things off for the Cougars.

Ephrata stayed aggressive and continued to compete, drawing 6 walks and stealing 4 bases. Aldynne Snyder led the visitors with 3 hits in 3 at-bats, while Kylee Dunlap drove in 3 runs. Ava Baker also caused problems on the bases with 2 steals.

For Palmyra, the win marked a much-needed breakthrough after an 0-2 start. Now 1-2 on the season, the Cougars will look to build on their first victory when they host Carlisle on Monday.

Palmyra 12, Ephrata 6

Box Score

Palmyra Leaders

Sophie Cunningham: 4-5, R, 3 RBI
Anna Crawford: 2-4, 2 R, 2B
Kate Shenk: 2-4, R, RBI, 2B, 3B
Marie McCracken: 2-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, 2 SB
Emalyn Funck: 1-4, R, 3 RBI, BB, HR
Ava Walmer: 1-2, R, RBI, 3 BB, 2B
Layla Musser: 1-3, R, RBI, SB
Avery Cassel: R, SB

Pitching
Emalyn Funck (W): 4.0 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
Anna Crawford: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Ephrata Leaders

Aldynne Snyder: 3-3, R, BB, 2B
Kylee Dunlap: 1-3, 3 RBI, BB, 2B
Macy Banks: 1-2, 2 RBI, BB, SF
Emma Showalter: 1-2, R, BB
Ava Baker: 3 R, BB, HBP, 2 SB

Pitching
Lexi Palmer (L): 5.1 IP, 12 H, 10 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Jaelynn Bauder: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K