Gowanda Small Town Times

Photo: Gowanda;s Holland Browning (#4) beats the ball to 1st base in the 6th inning of the team’s home game against Randolph. She went on to steal 2nd base before getting thrown out going to 3rd.

Randolph was at Gowanda for a Varsity softball game on April 27. This was the only Varsity game played on the day. A quick start was pivotal in deciding this important CCAA East 1 match-up. In the 1st inning, Randolph’s first three batters managed only a double just over the Gowanda center fielder. In the bottom of the inning, Gowanda’s leadoff batter, Jada Geiger, opened with a double just inside of 3rd base. Aubrie Heron took her place at 2nd base as a designated runner. Gao:Wisa:S “Wassy” Stevens was up next. Her hit fell between two Randolph players who nearly collided in right field for a double. With a pair of runners on base, the Randolph pitcher recorded a strikeout for their first out in the game. Hailey Christopher brought Heron home with a RBI single. Then Holland Browning made it to 2nd base as the Randolph throw to 1st missed, which also allowing Stevens to score. Christopher also scored in the inning on another Randolph miscue. The Randolph catcher tried to catch Christopher, who had taken a big lead-off, at 3rd base. Just as Christopher made it back to the base, the pickoff throw hit her in the back and was deflected into the infield. That was all that Christopher needed to steal home.

Gowanda would not score another run in the game, but the Gowanda defense came up big to save the game. Gowanda pitcher, Addison Kota tossed a complete game with 6 strikeouts and nearly picked up her 4th home run at Lady Panther Park on the season. She had a 2nd inning hit that hit the wall in center field about half way up for a double. Randolph managed only one run in the game in the 3rd inning with a walk and a double. In an exciting conclusion to the game, Randolph had the tying runs on base in the 7th inning with one out. Then Lily Bobseine fielded a hit at 1st base in time to make the out at 1st and also make the throw to 2nd base for the third out and a 3-1 Gowanda win .