Midview Softball downs Elyria 13-5

Midview Varsity Softball used a seven-run first inning to set the tone and then reignited the offense late to help it defeat visiting Elyria High School 13-5 in Southwestern Conference action on Senior Day Monday (April 28) evening.

The first six all reached on a single in an inning that saw the Middies eventually send 12 batters to the plate. Sophomore Dezirae Thomas capped the offensive explosion with a two-run double. The Pioneers, however, did not wilt and scored the next four runs to close the gap to 7-4 after three frames.

Midview's offense got back going with a two-run home run from freshmen Jillian Vandersluis, her first career blast, in the fifth. The Middies then plated five more runs in the sixth. Freshmen Brooke Cleary triggered that rally with her first varsity single.

Overall, the Middies out-hit the Pioneers 14-9. Both teams struggled defensively as they combined for 9 errors. Junior Nina Ballachino paced the offense with a 3-of-4 performance, while Thomas, sophomore Savannah Presser, Vandersluis, and senior Briana Farkas all had a pair of hits in the win.

Vandersluis also earned her first career win on the mound four strong innings of relief. She allowed one run on four hits and struck out two.

The Middies (5-8, 4-7 SWC) will look to keep the momentum building when they play host to Olmsted Falls High School on Tuesday (April 29) at 4:45 p.m.