Central Valley. Softball team honors seniors, then defeats NFA
| 19 May 2021 | 01:03
Senior Day Crusaders: Pictured from left to right are: Assistant Coach Elaine Schellbergh, Kayla Felix, Natalie Welsh, Makiya Himes, Marissa Napolitano, Hallie Heady, Julie Wolfenhaut and Head Coach Penny Roberts. Photos by William Dimmit.
Emma Lawson had two doubles and drove in three runs in the game.
Shortstop Anna Paravati makes a throw to first.
Senior catcher Makiya Himes turned in a strong performance behind the plate.
On a sunny Monday, May 17, afternoon, the Crusaders held a ceremony to honor the seniors on this year’s softball team before their game against the Goldbacks of Newburgh Free Academy.
The six seniors and their parents on this years team were called out to the field and given posters, flowers and gifts before the first pitch of the game.
The undefeated Crusaders entered the game with a 8-0 record after beating Middletown 6-1 in their last game.
The Crusaders got on the board in the first inning when Danielle Ryan singled, stole second and scored on Kelsey O’Brien’s fielder’s choice. O’Brien then scored on a Emma Lawson’s double to left.
The Crusaders bumped their lead to three in the third when Brianna Roberts singled and scored on a Lawson sacrifice fly to center.
In the top of the fourth the Goldbacks cut the Crusaders’ lead on a home run to right field.
In the fifth inning the Crusaders scored again when O’Brien doubled and scored on Lawson’s second double of the game.
The Crusaders finished their scoring in the sixth when Hallie Heady singled, then scored on a bunt by Olivia Shippee.
On the mound for the Crusaders Roberts threw four innings allowing allowing one hit and striking out eight and Arianna Exarchakis went three innings while fanning three batters.
The Crusaders’ 5-1 victory brings their record to 9-0. They travel to Kingston to face the Tigers next.
- William Dimmit