NORTH CREEK — It was a night of offensive fireworks across the region, as several softball teams unleashed their bats in dominating fashion. The Johnsburg/Minerva Irish Jags set the tone early, combining a red-hot offense with a stifling pitching performance to cruise past Willsboro, 17-2.
Hannah Sharp was nearly untouchable in the circle, striking out nine batters while allowing just one hit in a complete-game gem. She also contributed at the plate, lacing a double to help her own cause. Her battery mate, L. Sharp, also doubled as J/M racked up eight hits on the night. Laney Nolette took the loss for Willsboro but provided the Wolves' only highlight with a double of her own.
In Lake Placid, the Crown Point Panthers showcased a balanced attack, pounding out 12 hits in a 17-0 shutout victory over the Bombers. A trio of pitchers—Kaitin Ross, Kaitlin Morse, and Corinne Woods—combined for a one-hitter, with Ross striking out five over three innings. Ross was equally dangerous at the plate, collecting three extra-base hits, including two doubles and a triple. Addison Hurlburt and Laurel Peters each added a double to fuel the Panthers' offensive onslaught.
Over in Bolton, the bats were simply electric as the home team exploded for a 31-8 win over Indian Lake/Long Lake. Five different batters recorded at least three hits, with Jadynn Egloff and Riley Huck leading the charge at 4-for-5 with five RBIs apiece. Danica Staepel was a perfect 5-for-6 with two RBIs. Egloff and Thea Kennedy combined to scatter eight hits over five innings in the circle. Arista Pierson provided the Orange with their lone extra-base hit, a double.
In Saranac, the Spartans matched the offensive intensity, scoring in every inning en route to a 22-6 victory over Moriah. After the Vikings jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first, Saranac answered emphatically with eight runs in the bottom half of the inning. Elizabeth Recore, Kailynn Neri, and McKenzie Hanson each doubled to lead the Spartans' attack. Moriah's Emmalee Johnson doubled for her team's lone extra-base hit. "Moriah hitters started great, scoring four runs in the first with four hits, including a double and a hit batter," said Spartan coach Sam Campbell. "Our hitters were able to find the gaps with runners on to get us going."