Softball: Kubica, Vikings Answer Cocalico’s Rally in 14-8 Win

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Kubica, Vikings Answer Cocalico’s Rally in 14-8 Win

After suffering a tough 4-2 loss to Lampeter-Strasburg in a non-league matchup on Friday, Northern Lebanon took to the road on Monday looking to get back on track in Section 3 play. The Vikings did just that, piling up 17 hits and surviving a wild middle stretch to beat Cocalico 14-8.

Northern Lebanon did most of its early damage in a huge 2nd inning, sending eight runs across the plate to seize control. Keira Palski got the rally started with a single that scored two runs. An error added another, Addison Hollenbach drove in one with a single, Addison Kubica ripped a three-run double, and Alyssa Shirey followed with an RBI double as the Vikings surged in front 8-0.

Cocalico answered right back in the bottom of the 3rd with a seven-run inning that turned the game on its head. Sydney Leasure singled in a run, Lydia Knepper added an RBI single, Kara Yeager brought home one with a groundout, two Northern Lebanon errors led to two more runs, and Macy Welker lined a two-run single as the Eagles cut the deficit to 8-7.

The Vikings responded the way they needed to in the 4th. Stephanie Palkovic led off the inning with a solo home run to center field, Kubica added an RBI single, and Mykenah Johnson followed with a run-scoring hit to push the lead back to 11-7. Northern Lebanon added another run in the 5th and two more in the 7th to create some breathing room.

Kubica had the biggest day at the plate, driving in five runs on three hits. Hollenbach went 4-for-5 to lead Northern Lebanon in hits, while Palkovic also finished with four hits and a home run. Shirey and Sophia Roye each added multiple hits, and Makenzie West helped set the tone for the offense by drawing two walks. Palski also put pressure on the defense with two stolen bases.

In the circle, Palkovic worked the first three innings before Hollenbach came on in relief and helped settle things down. Hollenbach tossed four innings, allowing just one hit and one unearned run while striking out four without issuing a walk.

Cocalico was led by Knepper, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Leasure also had two hits and scored twice. Welker added a hit and drove in two, and the Eagles stayed aggressive on the bases all afternoon, finishing with five stolen bases.

Northern Lebanon, now 8-2, will host ELCO on Wednesday in a showdown of Lebanon County rivals. The last time the two teams met, the Vikings defeated the Raiders in a game that determined who would advance to states.

Northern Lebanon 14, Cocalico 8

Northern Lebanon Leaders

Addison Hollenbach: 4-5, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2B, SB
Addison Kubica: 3-4, 3 R, 5 RBI, 2B, BB
Stephanie Palkovic: 4-5, 3 R, RBI, HR
Alyssa Shirey: 3-5, R, RBI, 2B
Sophia Roye: 2-5, RBI
Keira Palski: 1-4, R, 2 RBI, 2 SB
Mykenah Johnson: 1-5, RBI

Pitching
Stephanie Palkovic (W): 3.0 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Addison Hollenbach: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

Cocalico Leaders

Lydia Knepper: 2-4, R, 2 RBI
Sydney Leasure: 2-4, 2 R, RBI
Macy Welker: 1-2, R, 2 RBI
Ava Shenk: 1-3, R
Sophia Weaver: 1-3, R

Pitching
Macy Welker: 7.0 IP, 17 H, 14 R, 7 ER, 5 BB, 2 K

Last Game: Lampeter-Strasburg Uses Early Edge to Hold Off Northern Lebanon’s Late Rally