Softball team gets No. 100 for coaching staff

Finn becomes program’s all-time hits leader

Jeff Miller

The B-A softball team has risen to regional prominence under the current coaching staff, led by Coach Jim Payne.

Sapphire McCready, Sports Editor
May 6, 2015

fin leading hitter
Jacqueline Finn added to a storied career by becoming the program's hits leader. (Jeff Miller)

The Bellwood-Antis softball team continued to shine in their 18-0 victory over Moshannon Valley Tuesday in Houtzdale.  The Blue Devils grabbed their coach and his staff’s 100th career win.

Coach Jim Payne’s softball team has gone 100-48 over the last seven seasons.

“Getting to 100 wins is due to the players believing in the program,” said Payne. “The kids have bought in and embraced the team philosophy. Guiding all of those players past and present, has been a true blessing for me.”

“I think we all really wanted to get their 100th win.  It’s a big achievement for them to get 100 in not even seven full seasons,” said junior Edyn Convery.

“I’m very proud to be a part of an amazing team and program.  (Coach Payne) truly deserves this honor because of all the hard work and dedication he’s put into make this program and its players successful,” added Jacquline Finn.

Finn also stood out with four hits, breaking the school record for hits.  Edyn Convery had four hits also.

“It was definitely a team effort.  Our whole lineup contributed at the plate,” said J. Finn.

The Blue Devils were already on their game in the first inning when they scored their first six runs.  They added another three in the fifth inning and had their final nine in the sixth inning.  The game was cut short by an inning due to the mercy rule.

Laycee Clark and Finn each hit doubles.  Convery, Myranda Mamat, and Taylor Shildt each hit triples.

Shildt, Saige McElwain, and Kelcie Dennis each had three hits.

The Blue Devils had 18 RBI’s: 3 each from Convery and Finn, 2 each from Anna Wolfe, Shildt, Maddie Miller, Caroline Showalter, and Dennis, and one each from McElwain and Mamat.

Shildt was the winning pitcher and struck out 6.  Miller helped by striking out 2.

“I thought everyone hit very well, but now we have to get re-focused and ready for Philipsburg and Everett this week,” said Convery.

The softball team’s record is now 13-5 overall.