Gowanda Small Town Times

[photo] Pictured is Gowanda designated runner, Cheyanna Pasternak (#7), heading for home in the 6th inning of the home opener against Ellicottville. She was base running for Ella Luther.

On March 25, the Gowanda Varsity softball team finally was back in action after a cold, snowy week had delayed the start of the season. The last remnants of snow had disappeared from the field in the hours preceding the game. This was the team’s first competition since winning the 2023 state championship as well as pitcher, Addison Kota’s, first action following an ankle injury that saw her miss the entire basketball season.

With a still taped ankle, Kota pitched four scoreless innings giving up just a single hit and striking out 9. At the end of those four innings Gowanda was up 10-0 and Kota was replaced on the mound. Four Ellicottville batters were walked in a 5th inning that saw them pile up 7 runs. Four of those runs scored on wild pitches. That tightened things to 10-7 as Gowanda came up to bat. Gowanda answered back with leadoff batter, Grace Eddy hitting a triple to get things started. That was followed by a Hailey Christopher walk. The Ellicottville defense tightened up, but both Eddy and Christopher were able to score before the inning ended.

Eddy came in to pitch the 6th and 7th innings. Ellicottville did not score again while Gowanda picked up a pair of 6th inning runs to bring the final score to 14-7.

Leading the attack for Gowanda were Audrina Huss (3 runs, 2 hits including a double, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base), Alhanna Gabel (2 runs, 2 hits, 1 RBI) and Corrina John (2 runs).

Also with strong showings were Ella Luther (a double, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base), Emily Pound (1 run, 2 hits, 1 double, 1 RBI), Addison Kota (1 run, 1 double, 2 RBI), Holland Browning (1 run, 3 hits, 1 double, 4 RBI) and Gracie Eddy (1 run, 2 hits, 1 triple, 1 RBI).

Also scoring single runs were Aubrie Heron and Hailey Christopher.