GRAHAMSVILLE – After the final strike was thrown, the Yellowjackets had come away with a 10-4 win over the Bears. When the Yellowjackets took to the plate at the top of the second inning, they held only a one-point margin over the home team. Their offensive push gave them a 6-0 lead, but the Bears answered with four runs of their own at the bottom of the inning to keep the game close. 

The Yellowjackets’ defense in the field in the third and fourth innings, especially, caused issues for the Bears as they went stale on offense. On the mound, the Bears struggled as star pitcher Avery Carrier was forced to bow out in the top of the third inning due to an injury. Caitlyn Monell stepped in as relief. “Caitlyn Monell did an excellent job in relief,” shared TV head coach Jared Carrier. “She came into a tough spot and was a real bulldog for us. She put us in a position to make a comeback. Spring sports are a short season; our younger players are up against it, having to speed up their learning curve. Not an easy task, but they work hard….we’ll have better days.” Despite Carrier stepping off the mound, she ended the day with a solid game on offense, going 2-for-3, including a double and a triple. Teammate Grace Deyo ended the day with two hits, making the second inning the most productive inning on offense for the Bears.

The plan for the Yellowjackets was to position runners on bases ahead of senior heavy hitter Olivia Gonzalez, trusting that her offensive power would drive in multiple runs. This successful strategy proved to be exactly what the Yellowjackets needed to come away with the game. Gonzalez’ inside the park homerun was one of several game highlights, including a double play in the bottom of the fifth inning, beginning with a caught pop fly ball and ending with a quick out on first base. “Tough day as our inexperience showed through at times, said Coach Carrier. “Oliva Gonzalez is a good hitter, and she made us pay.” The Yellowjackets had a composed showing as a team. Emma Bisland snagged her first career varsity win on the mound, standing in for Eldred’s #1 pitcher Giada Donato, who is out with an injury. Bisland allowed only 5 hits and ended the game with 7 strikeouts. Gonzalez went 3-for-5 at bat, including a double, a homerun, and 4 RBI, and Chelsea Potter also went 3-for-5 with 1 RBI.

Eldred’s Head Coach Bill Furler was pleased with the way his team performed. “Today was a good day for us. Avery Carrier is a great pitcher. It was unfortunate that her quad tightened up and she couldn’t finish on the mound. She’s a beast at the plate. For us, everything starts with the top of the lineup. We like to run and get girls on base for Olivia and Chelsea. Our #1 pitcher, Giada Donato, is working her way back from injury. We hope to have her back soon!”