Shenandoah Junction, W.Va- Despite a postponed contest, Jefferson started sectional play strong with an 11-3 win over Hampshire.
The Cougars fell behind early. After a scoreless first inning, Hampshire’s Bri Cosner singled up the middle then was plated a by a 2-run Kaitlyn Ferguson home run.
Brooke Allen, who started in the circle for Jefferson, didn’t wait long to help her own case as she doubled to start the bottom of the 2nd inning then came in to score on a Kalee Dalton rbi single.
Jefferson tied the game moments later after Grace Dodson reached on a fielders choice and scored on an error.
The heaviest punch of the frame was a Becca Munslow triple that cleared the loaded bases and gave Jefferson their first lead off the game, 5-2 after 2.
Mother nature then stole the spotlight with a down pour causing the game to be postponed nearly 24 hours.
When play resumed Jefferson scored on the first pitch, a wild delivery scoring Savannah Smith.
“We started out slow yesterday with some pop ups.” Said interim head coach Savannah Snyder. “Our goal today was to hit line drives.”
Dodson then tripled and was driven home by Parker Hozhabri. Jefferson led 7-2 after 3.
Jersey Rummel kickstarted the Jefferson offense in the bottom of the 4th with a lead off single, and later was plated by a Cowan single.
An Allen double off the wall scored Cowan. Smith then reached on a fielders choice bringing up Dodson who doubled, scoring Allen. The Cougars advantage was 8 at the end of 4.
“She (Allen) has a really good mentality.” Said Snyder about her pitcher who also had a solid day at the plate. “She knows her teammates are behind her.”
Hampshire extended the game in the 5th with a Hayley Jenkins 2-out RBI double to make it 10-3.
Jefferson completed the run rule with Madison Clark starting the bottom of the 5th with a single , Rummel blooped a single in to center. Clark scored on a wild pitch to end the game 11-3 to the Cougars.
Jefferson advances to play Washington tomorrow on the road.
“We’re mentaly prepared for it. It’s always a really good game.” Snyder said. “But, we are ready to hit the ball and play behind our pitcher.”
