The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Amherst backs up ranking with romp over Avon Lake
No. 4-ranked team in coaches’ poll scores nine runs in second inning
The Amherst Comets backed up their lofty softball state ranking as they erupted for nine second-inning runs and cruised to an 18-1, five-inning win over Avon Lake.
Although the game was played at Avon Lake High School, Amherst was the home team as the contest was moved because the Comets’ home field was deemed
to be unplayable due to heavy rains.
Amherst, ranked No. 4 in the latest Ohio Softball Coaches Poll Division I poll along with Mount Vernon, made itself feel at home, especially in the second inning, when the Comets sent 13 batters to the plate and scored nine runs. Designated hitter Jordan Hawkins singled twice in the frame, scored two runs and drove in another to key the uprising. She finished the day with three hits.
Amherst kept adding on in the third inning, as the Comets tallied seven more runs.
Amherst improved to 21-3 and 13-1 in the Southwest Conference. Avon Lake dropped 6-16 with the loss and 4-10 in the SWC.
Amherst coach Lacey Reichert and her team know that despite their high ranking and gaudy record the season is far from over and there are many goals still to accomplish.
“Honestly our focus is to not focus on the No. 4 ranking. You dwell on something like that or think teams are going to roll over for you because you stepped on the field. They aren’t going to roll over and die just because we are ranked four in the state.
“They are going to compete hard, and we better be able to match their energy and then some. The ranking is nice just because people around the state are noticing we are having a pretty good season. But we keep telling the girls we haven’t done anything yet,” said Reichert.
Amherst senior pitcher Kate Kastelic has most certainly done something. She started and pitched
the first three innings to earn the win as she improved to 19-2 and 11-1 in the SWC. She allowed two hits, struck out six and didn’t walk a batter.
Cassidy Kettleman, the Comets’ outstanding junior center fielder, doubled, tripled, drove in four runs and scored.
“Whatever you throw her, she figures a way to get it into play, she really does. She’s a great player,” Avon Lake coach Jana Peachman said.
Amherst totaled 14 hits in the romp, which was played through a steady
light rain. The wet weather did nothing to dampen the Comets’ offense.
“One through nine, they all hit,” Reichert said of her team’s offense. “I know Kylie McGraw, our No. 8 hitter, she’s been struggling a little bit, but she came out and got a sac bunt down and roped two singles. Getting her going is crucial.”
Avon Lake senior shortstop Annie Peachman said Amherst’s line up is tough.
“They can all hit. They hit in the gaps. They can do it all,” Annie Peachman said.