Archbishop Spalding had to start their season on the road on Friday, and it wasn't the start they were hoping for. They fell 6-1 to the St. Mary's Ryken Knights. Archbishop Spalding was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as St. Mary's Ryken apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in March of 2022.
For St. Mary's Ryken's part, Emmaleigh Zagrodnichek was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and not a single walk). Zagrodnichek has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't pitched less than six innings every time she's pitched this season. Zagrodnichek was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-2.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ava Chadwick, who scored a run while going 2-for-4. Myla Harding was another key contributor, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
The victory (which was St. Mary's Ryken's third in a row) raised their record to 3-0.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Archbishop Spalding will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Mercy at 4:00 p.m. on April 2nd. Archbishop Spalding will be looking to keep their five-game home win streak dating back to last season alive. St. Mary's Ryken will take on Calvert at 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
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