Rosier's Home Run Pushes PHS Past Hoosac
PITTSFIELD, Mass — It's been a tough start for the Hoosac Valley softball team this year, but the Hurricanes inched one step closer on Friday in a 5-3 loss to Pittsfield.Hoosac battled the undefeated Generals (6-0) all game long, but a three-run homer by Alyssa Rosier in the bottom of the fourth inning proved to be the difference in the game. The scored was tied at 2-2 at that point, and the 'Canes only managed one run the rest of the game.
"We are 0 for 3 so far for the season and, although we had another loss, we didn't go down without a fight," Hoosac head coach Morgan Shafer said. "We kept the mistakes to almost none, played some pretty good defense, and it was a true battle of the hitters for both of our teams. Pittsfield just came out on top today."
Sarah Rayner went the distance for the Generals, allowing three earned runs on six hits to earn the win. Junior Ashley Ciepiela was solid in her first start for Hoosac this season. She allowed four earned runs on five hits, striking out four and walking three. Had it not been for Rosier's long ball to right field in the fourth, Ciepiela and the Hurricanes might be celebrating their first win of the year today.
"Ashley had her first start on the mound for us today, and she did well," Shafer said. "She kept the big bats of Pittsfield from getting big hits as best as she could. She was a leader on the mound and, although it wasn't her day at the plate, she still did what she could to help us try to get our first win."
Junior shortstop Tori Rumbolt also did what she could, going 3 for 4 with two stolen bases and three runs scored. Classmate Alexis Bushika also came through with a solo homer in top of the seventh inning, a shot to the gap in right-center field that brought the visitors within two runs. Senior Allie Pansecchi helped out with a key RBI with the bases loaded in the fourth inning, part of a two-run frame for the 'Canes.
"Tori had a big day for us today," Shafer said. "She played well in the field and did what she could to help us. Alexis played in left and made some great catches and stops out there."
Hoosac's tough schedule doesn't get any easier. Shafer's club next plays at 4-0 Drury at 4 p.m. on Monday.