LIMA – The Lady Giant softball faced a major test of perseverance Tuesday.
Fremont Ross was one out away from a 3-run victory in the opening game of a doubleheader at Lima Senior, but a pair of costly errors led to three unearned runs and a tie game.
But the Lady Giants regrouped themselves, won the game in extra innings, 12-10, then pounded the Spartans in Game 2, winning in just five innings 14-1.
After seeing its lead in Game 1 slip away, Ross retook the advantage in the top of the ninth. Morgan Englund drilled a two-RBI base hit to center field. Englund later scored on an RBI by Kayla Rich to put Ross ahead 12-9.
Once again, Lima tried to battle back, scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth, but the Lady Giants’ defense played cleanly and put the game away.
With momentum from Game 1 on their side, the Lady Giants went right to work in Game 2.
They took a 2-1 lead in the first inning and added a third run in the second.
The third inning saw the Lady Giants blow the game wide open, keyed by a two-RBI triple by Hailey Taylor. The Lady Giants sent 13 batters to the plate as they scored eight runs.
Taylor had a monster day at the plate, she went 5-for-7 on the day with a triple, a double and three RBIs.
Gabby Zuniga went 5-10 at the plate, including a solo home run in Game 1, along with a double and five RBIs. After a slow Game 1, Kaylee Dodson rebounded in Game 2, going 4-for-4 at the plate with a pair of RBIs.
Morgan Englund won both games in the pitcher’s circle, coming into Game 1 in relief. She then started Game 2 and baffled Lima’s hitters, allowing just one hit and three walks in five innings with five strikeouts. She went a combined 4-7 at the plate with five RBIs.
The Lady Giants have won three TRAC games in a little over 24 hours, combined with their win over Central Catholic on Monday, to improve to their record to 6-12 overall, 3-9 in the league.
Ross looks to continue its winning ways tonight as it hosts Toledo Woodward Wednesday at 5 p.m.