Softball Recap: Beachwood Comes Up Short

Beachwood extended their losing streak to seven on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 1-7 in the process. They came up short against the Kirtland Hornets, falling 17-3. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Bison of the 14-0 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in April of 2022.

Lily Grover made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.

As for Kirtland, their record is now 4-7. Considering they have won four matches by more than nine runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

On Kirtland's side, Julia Cottrell was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Cottrell was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.

In other pitching news, Gracie Svigel looked comfortable as she tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Maggie Kothera, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more hits the last four times she's played. Katherine Bradshaw also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.

Coming up, Kirtland will take on Berkshire at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Beachwood will be paying especially close attention to the Hornets' contest: after the Hornets face off against the Badgers, they'll take on Beachwood again at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.