By Carl Holcomb
Moorefield Examiner
The mission chosen to be accepted by the East Hardy Softball team along with the Wildcats was to show compassion and unity in the battle to Strikeout Cancer and the teams met the challenge with a combined 27 strikeouts.
Beyond the numbers, members of the Cougars squad created signs indicating ‘I play for…” showing their dedication and care for a loved one battling cancer.
This special game recognizing those affected by all types of cancer was created by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association to shed light on the cause through the game of softball and what better way to make a statement than with a strikeout.
“Strikeout Cancer Night was very special. Cancer impacts so many, and it was nice to honor those who have been impacted. The idea and materials came from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Each team member filled out a “I play for” card to dedicate their game to a loved one who has battled cancer,” East Hardy Softball coach Noah Orndorff stated.
Pendleton County pitcher Susan Vincell dealt a career-high 15 strikeouts in a one-hitter to cage the Cougars 15-nil.
“Last night was just a good night for us. Offensively, we hit the ball and made them make difficult plays, and we were aggressive on the base paths. Defensively, our warmup looked good, so I had confidence to challenge batters to hit. I knew that I had a solid field behind me and an amazing catcher to pitch to. The energy in the dugout was good and our offense was rolling strong, so I felt good to do my job and secure the win. If we continue to work together, build trust, and hit the ball like we did, I’m confident we’ll have a very successful season,” Pendleton County pitcher Susan Vincell remarked.
Pendleton County won the Class A state softball championship last year, but enters this season with a new coach and new lineup to strive for another journey to Charleston.
The Vincell name may look familiar as Susan’s grandfather was a longtime basketball coach for Moorefield prior to moving to Franklin.
“Susan’s pitching was the difference maker. We knew she was a good pitcher, but she definitely got even better over the off season. We are excited for the opportunity to face her again,” Coach Orndorff said.
East Hardy countered with a double-digit strikeout effort from Richard Bland College commit Madison Strosnider fanning 12 batters, but the Wildcats would find ways for the bats to talk.
Strosnider and Alexis Baker gave up nine hits apiece as Pendleton County took advantage of the base running opportunities which included doubles from Jaiden Mitts and Molly Rowe.
Rowe and Laney Bowers led the Wildcats with four hits each in the win.
Pendleton County’s Molly Rowe commenced the game with a single, then Strosnider answered with a strikeout before walking Jessica Parker.
Rowe stole home for the initial Wildcats lead, then Bowers notched an RBI single, 2-0.
The Cougars escaped the opening frame as Strosnider closed it with two strikeouts sandwiching a beaning on Vincell.
East Hardy’s Gracie Heishman and Bella Bauserman drew walks, but the Cougars failed to capitalize as Vincell intertwined strikeouts to end the frame.
Pendleton County responded to a strikeout in the second inning by loading the bases starting with a double by Mitts, then Roew singled and Thompson reached on a dropped third strike.
Parker launched the ball into right field where the play transformed into an error plating Rowe and Mitts, then Bowers smacked an RBI single down the third base line for a 5-0 edge.
Strosnider got out of the jam with two more strikeouts surrounding another ball hitting Vincell.
Vincell put the Cougars down with three straight strikeouts in the bottom of the second inning.
Strosnider refused to let Pendleton County score in the third inning limiting one single and tossing three strikeouts.
East Hardy couldn’t connect on Vincell’s pitching again with three more fanned batters.
Bowers singled with one out (K) in the fourth inning and scored on a wild throwing error off a hit by Chesnee Colaw into right field.
The Wildcats managed to add two more runs with the help of a miscue on a misconnection on the throw home.
Strosnider denied a no-hitter with a single into right field to begin the bottom of the fourth inning.
Vincell answered with three consecutive strikeouts to leave Strosnider stranded at third base.
“Susan is a beast on the mound. She doesn’t make mistakes there. She speaks for herself. We don’t have an off night when she is on the mound. 100 percent, we have fun when we swing the bat. The atmosphere is exciting when we hit the ball and we could have gone another 10 innings if they let us. We are excited about this year. They are reloading, not rebuilding,” Pendleton County coach Hillary Fox explained.
Pendleton County kept the momentum going with eight straight hits to create a 15-0 lead.
East Hardy’s defense closed out the inning with a double play by Adyson Crider and Jaylynn Combs.
Pendleton County catcher Jessica Parker had fun with her longtime pitching partner Susan Vincell, pausing to ask what pitch she wanted to throw.
Vincell ended the game with three consecutive strikeouts for her career-high total of 15 on the night.
East Hardy knew this was just a game and turned to bringing thoughts of love and joy back to the Strikeout Cancer Night with a special color powder celebration to honor their loved ones.
