By Cort Reynolds
VANLUE–The visiting Ada softball team lost 14-4 at Vanlue in a non-league game Friday evening, May 5.
Missing three starters, the Bulldogs dropped to 16-4 with the five-inning defeat.
Vanlue improved to 7-9 after the run-rule shortened win.
The game started off well for Ada.
In the top of the first, Bulldog sophomore Jenna Bassitt tripled to lead off the game. She came home to score on a bunt by starting pitcher Natilyn McClain.
Vanlue came back with two runs in the home first, ignited by leadoff hitter Olivia Secord.
Ada freshman catcher Marley Bulerin doubled home one run in the Bulldog second to tie the game temporarily.
Wildcat Lydia Miller led off the bottom of the second inning with a home run to right field that keyed a three-run inning.
Ada plated two runs in the third frame to pull within 5-4. Sophomore third baseman Belah Price singled in a run to key the inning.
But Vanlue then broke the game open with seven runs in the third frame. Bassitt came in to relieve with the bases loaded.
The Wildcats plated two more runs in the fourth to invoke the 10-run rule.
Bulldog sophomore McClain pitched the first 2 2/3 innings. Bassitt hurled the final 1 1/3 frames after starting out in center field.
Junior Katie Sizemore got one hit and scored a run while playing first base.
Sophomore shortstop Karley Wagner collected two hits and a run. Senior left fielder Kayla Wince and freshman DP Emma Lambdin each singled. Bulerin slugged an RBI double.
Freshman Morgan Sutherly played second base.
The Wildcats out-hit Ada, 11-9. The Bulldogs made four errors while Vanlue made no miscues.
Mara Simon earned the pitching win for Vanlue.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Ada 1 1 2 0 0 x x 4 9 4
Vlu 2 3 7 2 x x x 14 11 0
WP-Simon LP-McClain
2B-Bulerin (A)
3B-Bassitt (A)
HR-Miller (V)
The Bulldogs are still one win short of tying the school single-season record for wins set by the 17-9 squad of 2018.
The Bulldogs visit Arcadia (10-6) Saturday morning.
Ada added a home game Tuesday, May 8 vs. Green Meadows Conference member Wayne Trace (8-11, 2-5 GMC) to its schedule.
