Softball team 10-runs Juniata Valley
Taylor gets first homer as Blue Devils move to 2-0
Krystina Taylor waits on a pitch against Juniata Valley yesterday. Taylor homered to punctuate a 5-run second in the Blue Devils’ victory over Juniata Valley.
April 1, 2016
The B-A softball team improve its record to 2-0 yesterday as they dominated the Juniata Valley Hornets at home by a score of 11-0.
The five-inning, 10-run contest was highlighted by a five run second inning and a stellar pitching performance by Junior Maddie Miller as she tossed five scoreless innings and struck out 11.
Taylor Shildt was impressive from the plate going 3-3 with 2 RBIs and a home run. Freshman Krystina Taylor also homered in the contest.
B-A already held a 1-0 lead heading into the second when an offensive explosion paved the way for a 6-0 lead. Taylor, who is taking the place of graduated all-star Anna Wolfe at second base, smacked her first career home run in the frame.
“Our young kids are playing really well and helping us out a lot,” said senior catcher Caroline Showalter. “Our start this year feels a lot better than last year, when we lost to West Branch in the first game.”
“Krystina is doing an excellent job at first base,” said Shildt, “especially when you consider she never played that position before. For her to make big defensive plays at second and come through with clutch hits is great.”
Coach Jim Payne said all of the Devils’ young players have aided the veterans.
“Krystina plays at a high level despite her age, and Ashtyn (Payne) added a nice hit for a double to start a rally,” said Coach Payne. “It just proves the power of summer ball and dedication to our sport.”
The Blue Devils will next take on conference foe Mount Union next Tuesday.
“Being 2-0 is nice but it is not the goal,” said Coach Payne. “We are happy to be there but the overall goal is much, much bigger.”
