Photos and story by CHRIS BROOKS, managing editor, wellsvillesports.com
RICHBURG — Delivering a game-opening statement can send shockwaves in each and every direction on the field. But during the very first at-bat of the game? McKinlee Harris took it to a completely different level for the Lady Wolverines of Bolivar-Richburg.
On the second pitch in the game thrown by Jordyn Dyring in the circle for visiting Hornell, the Bolivar-Richburg senior saw it and took it for a ride into deep center field for a lead-off solo shot — one of two first inning home runs that the Lady Wolverines would launch against the Lady Red Raiders, setting up shop for even bigger happenings later on in the battle, as they galloped their way towards an 11-2 home win on Wednesday to begin the first of three games in a three-day stretch.
Harris’ homer came in the midst of a three-run bottom half of the first inning for the Lady Wolverines (3-0), as she rocketed a deep ball into center field to break the ice immediately. After special teams saw them add another run onto the board a short time later, Malayna Ayers helped the team’s cause with another bomb herself, sending one into orbit in the same direction where Harris landed hers — a solo shot of her own, to boost the lead to a trio.
Despite falling behind early, the Lady Red Raiders attempted to fight back with their first scoring threat against Bolivar-Richburg in the second. From within it, Hornell would place runners on first and third, but ultimately could not find the hit to break the ice themselves, as Rylee Whiting delivered a strong end to the team’s stand on defense with a humongous strikeout.
The momentum carried over into the bottom half once again for the Lady Wolverines, this time at a much higher level than before, as they connected with nearly everything they saw at the plate to deliver a seven-run frame to eclipse 10 in the game. A 10-0 lead over the Lady Red Raiders that was never relinquished.
Hornell would manage to grab a pair of runs in the top of third to try and trim down their deficit, with a double from Parker Graham leading the way. Bolivar-Richburg would respond with their final run of the game in the next half of the inning, ensuring their lead permanently.
Hornell coach Jenn Bowie was impressed with B-R.
“Bolivar-Richburg saw the ball well today, racking up 14 hits,” said Bowie. “They didn’t commit a single error in the field. Hadigan Harris had the most chances in the field with 13.”
The Lady Wolverines totaled 11 runs off 11 hits, with four different hitters all tallying two hits each, including Harris, Ayers, Haley Mascho and Madison Carney. Whiting and Allie Zilker each drove in a pair of RBI. On the mound, Whiting went the distance to twirl a five-hit victory, fanning 10 and walking seven.
For the visitors in red, Madison Rudenaur led the bats with two of the team’s five total. In the circle, Lillian Hoyt struck out a pair of Lady Wolverines in her relief appearance.
Bolivar-Richburg will have a quick turnaround back on their home field in Richburg tonight, hosting Friendship/Scio in a colossal 5 p.m. first pitch between two back-to-back Sectional champions.
Hornell 002 000 0 – 2 5 5
Bolivar-Richburg 371 000 X – 11 11 2
HHS – Jordyn Dyring (LP) (3BB), Lillian Hoyt (3) (2K) and Ireland Harrison.
B-R – Rylee Whiting (WP) (CG, 10K, 7BB) and Madigan Harris.
Wellsville 16, Dansville 0 (F-5)
WELLSVILLE — Just a couple of days separating the Lady Lions of Wellsville from perhaps their biggest challenge of the season this weekend, the task at hand on Wednesday back home at Tullar Field was one they were able to take care of right from the start, as their bats remained red hot at the plate while the tandem of Marissa Ordway and Makenna Dunbar combined to provide another shutout victory by a 16-0 count over Dansville to eclipse the 10-win mark this season.
The Lady Lions put together 16 runs off 15 total hits on the attack, starting the night with a two-run lead before the offense was re-ignited in the very next inning after another solid performance from the field, as they branched their lead out with a six-run second inning that gave them more cushioning to remain out in front over the Lady Mustangs, ultimately for good.
Leading the bats was Makenna Dunbar, who had two hits including a massive grand slam — her fifth homer of the season, totaling five RBI for the game. Marissa Ordway followed with a pair of doubles, driving in a pair while Makenzie Cowburn cleared the bases with one big swing, sending a double to the outfield to total four RBI in the contest. Emma Dunaway, Brazen Beckwith and Kaylie Fuller all had two more hits each to contribute to the cause.
In the circle, Ordway and Dunbar came together to toss a three-hit shutout of Dansville, with Ordway collecting the win behind five strikeouts.
“Marissa was sharp tonight, and the movement on her pitches was excellent. Our offense is firing on all cylinders. Everyone in the lineup tonight hit the ball hard.” said Lady Lions coach Matt Burke.
Wellsville will now get set to square off with defending Class A State Champion Webster Schroeder right back at Tullar Field, beginning at 1 p.m. before facing Addison later on in the day at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Dansville 000 00 – 0 3 4
Wellsville 260 35 – 16 15 0
DAN – Megan Tyler (LP) (K, 3BB), Elliot Hanks (5) (BB) and Treva Wadsworth.
WLSV – Marissa Ordway (WP) (5K), Makenna Dunbar (5) and Lindsay Stuck, Teagan Burke (5).
