By RYAN WALKER
BERNE — South Adams is the third-ranked team in the state according to the SCAI, and that was all out on display Thursday night.
The Starfires (12-1, 3-0 ACAC) are now winners of nine in a row with their 10-0 win in five innings over Southern Wells (4-10, 0-3 ACAC). That was capitalized by a six-run third inning, highlighted by a Mackenzie Neuenschwander two-run blast that launched them to a 9-0 at that point.
South Adams pounced early with a 1-0 lead that grew to a 3-0 lead in the first two innings, swiping bases and a sacrifice fly. This was off of the back of starting pitcher Addie Baker, who lowered her 1.09 ERA coming into the contest after a five-inning shutout with 11 strikeouts.
Needless to say, the Starfires have put together a complete team in hopes to win their first ACAC title since 2019.
“They’re the best team in the conference by far,” Southern Wells head coach Jason Riley said after the game. “I know Jay County, Woodlan and Heritage are going to say something a little different, but they’re by far the best team. They’re solid. When you look at it, there’s not any weaknesses.”
The Raiders fought hard in the first two innings, making stellar defensive plays. One by Emma Parks, who reached her glove out to snag a shot to centerfield and limited the damage to just one run. Another by Kim McCune sprinting toward the left field line to hold runners in place.
In the second inning, the Startfires had bases loaded with no one out. A ground ball to shortstop Collena Reeves got the force out firing to home. Pitcher Kaylea Coffel got another force out at home after grabbing a comebacker on the mound. But, if not for a passed ball and a throwing error that plated two with two outs, the Raiders would have managed to get out unharmed. Coffel struck out Shea Alberson to end the total threat.
“It helps us build our character and it builds our strength and confidence,” Riley said. “We talk about confidence all the time and just making that play. It makes them feel like ‘Hey, I can do it every time.’”
“We’re working. We’re young,” he added.
Southern Wells had a shot in the top of the fifth to have a run come across when McCune and Bristal Chapman walked and advanced once more on Reeves’ single, but Baker, 10th and 11th strikeouts and a ground ball to third base put the fire out.
All South Adams needed was one run in the bottom of the fifth, and Avery Brown did just that on an RBI double to score Reagan Beitler.
Southern Wells will host Bishop Luers at 5 p.m. Friday, May 3.
ryan@news-banner.com
