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Hand Softball Scores Opening Day 28-3 Rout of Cross

Hand softball couldn't have asked for a better Opening Day from its squad behind plenty of offense, strong pitching, and a total team effort.

The Tigers hosted SCC Oronoque Division foe Cross on April 9 and came away with a victory in their 28-3 rout of the Governors. While the contest was shortened to four innings due to the mercy rule, Hand saw 15 of its players collect at least one RBI. The all-around run production was a welcome sight to the Tigers as they feel it will play a key part with determining how far they can go in SCC and state title chases.

"We are just trying to work together as a team out there," said senior co-captain and third baseman Annah Curcio. "We want to help each other out and know each others' weaknesses to help make us a stronger team. We want to take it one day at a time. We had a great win today, but now we are moving onto the next one. We have to stay together like we did today, be focused, and do our best."

Curcio finished the day 2-for-3 with three RBI, including one on a triple in the first inning. On the hill, junior Katie Omdahl threw three strong frames in the circle-striking out four, walking two, and allowing only four base knocks. She also helped her own cause by going 2-of-3 with a trio of RBI.

"I pulled my quad muscle so I'm still getting used to that, but I'm getting better with it," said Omdahl. "I transferred from catcher to pitcher, which is tough, yet I like it and I think I came out pretty strong today for not playing for a while."

Curcio wasted little time getting Hand (2-1) on the board with her run-scoring three-bagger as the Tigers' second batter of the afternoon. The RBI train continued with Omdahl notching her first before sophomore shortstop Alli Buller (3-of-3, 2 RBI), sophomore centerfielder Madeline Yaggi, Curcio, and Omdhal again brought runners home. Cross (0-1) additionally allowed another three tallies on wild throws to round out Hand's nine-score frame.

"Katie did a nice job pitching for us and, you know, the key when you play a game like this is to get out of the gate strong in the first and we did that," said Head Coach Mike Niekrash. "We hit the ball, made the plays, and I think that took the steam out of their game."

Following the Governors going down in order, sophomore first baseman Clare Gravina got the Tigers started for the second with her RBI base hit. Freshman left fielder Hollis Wivell, senior catcher Mel Rennie (3-for-4, RBI), and sophomore second baseman Sam Pavano (2-for-3, 2 RBIs; also fanning two in a relief outing on the hill) joined in the offensive party to help Hand lead 17-0 after two frames.

"We talked about how versus a pitcher like this that we had to swing at good pitches, which we did. They were also very patient at the plate and hit the ball hard," said Niekrash. "It's a team and everyone is on the team and we expect all to be able to contribute when they are in the game."

Cross threatened with bases loaded and two down in the third, although Omdahl turned the visitors away with a strikeout. For the home half of that inning, senior outfielders Nicole Francischelli, Victoria Smith-Israel, and Jen Fedus; plus junior Hannah Leckey; along with sophomores Abby Fedus and Chrissy LaSance pushed the Tigers past home plate for a six-spot.

After again loading the bags with two outs, the Governors were able to grab three runs for the fourth, yet Hand answered with five more tallies with one coming from freshman right fielder Lilly Geshwind for what was the Tigers' final up during the fourth prior to the them shutting the door on four batters in the fifth.

While the Tigers showed their true team depth in the campaign's opener, their skipper believes his squad has the skills to meet the group's high goals.

"Obviously, we have talented players, but as always at Hand, we have high expectations," said Niekrash, whose team also defeated West Haven 7-2 on April 10 before a 3-2 loss to Hammonasset Division rival Law on April 12. "We want to be competitive with Foran in the Hammonasset Division and in the SCC itself. We expect to be there at the end of the year, as well."