By: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director
For More Info: booherk@gilmour.org
Playing an outdoor spring sport is tough in the state of Ohio, especially when you're a member of the Gilmour varsity softball team. The Lancers have been stuck in the Field House for every practice but two heading into the first week of competition. This meant only a couple hours on the football turf as their only exposure to the outdoor game prior to competition. Taking an actual softball field for the first time this past week showed the rustiness of the team. Gilmour played hard to the end of each game, but unfortunately came away with only one win and three losses due to several errors in the field. The team defeated Cornerstone Christian 16-3, while losing close ones to Division I Strongsville 9-7 and Chagrin Falls 4-3 and 5-3.
In the victory, the Lancers were led at the plate by Emmy Klika '21 (pictured on the left) with two hits - both home runs over the fence. She recorded five RBI and three runs. Frankie Coan '20 totaled three hits with a double and four RBI. On the mound, Megan Mlinaric '22 (pictured on the right) earned her first high school victory after striking out seven in relief.
In the tough loss to Strongsville, which happened to be the first game of the season, the Lancers fought back from a two-run first-inning deficit. The team rallied to take the lead midway through the game, but couldn't hold on to the advantage. Mlinaric was solid on the mound with four strikeouts and no walks. Klika had two hits to pace the offense, including a two-run home run over the fence.
In game one of the double header vs. Chagrin Falls, Mlinaric threw a great game. She did not give up a single earned run, while striking out six. In game two versus the Tigers, Maggie Goff '21 turned in a solid performance on the hill with only one earned run allowed. At the plate, Goff and Abby Bartlett '19 both doubled while Goff, Julia Beaven '19 and Nicole Shipley '20 had two hits each. Hannah Weltle '21 had a solid pinch hit that resulted in a line drive base hit up the middle.
Gilmour is looking forward to next week when it plays its first North Coast League (NCL) games in program history.
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