Early Deficit Too Much to Overcome for Aviators in 14-8 defeat to Indian Valley

Alliance, OH- On Wednesday evening, the Alliance Aviators softball team came back from a 5-0 deficit to defeat Canton Central Catholic 8-7. On Friday evening, a last-minute schedule change brought in Indian Valley in place of St. Thomas Aquanis. The Aviators ‘never say die’ attitude just wasn’t enough however, as they fell to the Indian Valley Braves by a score of 14-8.

The Braves built an 11-0 lead after their half of the 3rd, looking to secure the win in Mercy Rule fashion. However, the Aviators (3-3) did just enough to make their way back, ending the 5th with the scoreboard reading 13-4. The Braves tacked on 2 in the top of the 6th to put them back up double digits, but the Aviators put together their best inning at the plate on the day, bringing 4 across.

It was Coach Emily Grindley’s top 4 hitters that led the charge, with Alexa Brown going 2-4 and scoring twice. Lilly White continued her impressive year at the dish going 2-2 with a double and two walks while accounting for 3 of the Aviators runs. Tasia Hendershot added two doubles while going 3-4 and scoring twice while racking up 3 RBI. Cheyanne Hendershot rounded out the top half of the line-up going 2-4 with 2 RBI.

Unfortunately for the hosts, it would have taken that and more to match strides with the visitors from Tuscarawas County. Leading the charge for the Braves (3-3) was Heavenlee Pall, who went 4-5 on the afternoon. Joining her in the multi-hit category were Natalie Musser (3), Bella Weaver (3, including a double and triple), Shelby Gossett (2), Sarah Myers (2 with a double), Cambrye Pall (2 with a double) and Alexa Schuler (2). It was Gossett taking the W from the circle, going the distance while striking out 8 Aviators.