Softball Recap: Tinora Comes Up Short

Tinora extended their losing streak to four on Monday, dropping their season record down to 4-6 in the process. They lost 17-6 to the Hilltop Cadets. The Rams were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Cadets apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in April of 2024.

Paige Gamby was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two doubles. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Madison Spangler was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.

As for Hilltop, they pushed their record up to 12-2 with the victory, which was their tenth straight on the road dating back to last season. Considering they have won 11 games by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.

On Hilltop's side, Giada Rising made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over five innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). Rising has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs and one RBI.

In other batting news, Kelsy Connolly and Isabella Ackley did most of the damage at the plate: Connolly got on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one double, while Ackley went 2-for-3 with five RBI and one double. Those five RBI gave Ackley a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Brooklyn Kuszmaul, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base.

Looking ahead, Tinora is taking a road trip to square off against Fairview at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Rams' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Apaches have averaged an impressive 6.5 runs per game this season. As for Hilltop, they will look to defend their home field on Tuesday against Holgate at 5:00 p.m. The Cadets are facing the Tigers at the right time seeing as the Tigers are stuck on a six-game losing streak.