Hornet softball downs Liberty, wins NTL Division 1 title

By: Ed Weaver  /  May 9, 2015

The Wellsboro Varsity Softball team clinched the NTL Division 1 championship on Friday, May 8 as they defeated Liberty 6-2 on Senior Night.

The Lady Hornets started strong as Freshman Alyssa Yungwirth crossed home plate off an RBI from Junior Sarah Ingerick to take an early 1-0 lead. Wellsboro would increase their lead to 5-0 in the second inning as Senior Peyton Wilson scored on an RBI by Junior Darci Warriner. Senior Jordan Butters would score after Wilson, and Seniors Baylea Lehman and Kaitlyn Sawyer scored on a Yungwirth double.

After a scoreless third inning, Wellsboro added their final run of the game as Junior Jenny Young scored on a passed ball to bring the score to 6-0. Liberty would get two runs back in the top of the sixth inning, but the Lady Hornets’ defense held in the top of the seventh inning to clinch the championship and extend their win streak to 15 games.

Yungwirth was 2-for-2 with two RBIs, Warriner was 2-for 2 with an RBI, Ingerick was 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Butters was 1-for-2.

Yungwirth started on the mound and pitched the first four innings for the win, striking out four and allowing one hit and two walks and no runs. Yungwirth has yet to allow a run in NTL play this season. Junior Alexa Singer worked the final three innings striking out four and walking none and allowing two hits and two runs (one earned).

"It's been a six year journey with these girls and with winning the NTL this year and winning tonight on Senior Night and sending these girls on their way on to their next chapter in life I couldn't ask for a better group of girls," said head coach Greg Carr. "We've played so many travel ball games and their hard work has paid off for what they've accomplished this year and I'm just so proud of them."

Wellsboro will finish their schedule this week as they host Jeersey Shore and Williamson, and travel to South Williamsport.

"We still have three games remaining this year and we're getting ready to go hard in districts this year," added Carr.

In addition to Senior night festivities, Coach Carr was also honored before the game with a signed commemorative bat from his team signifying his 100th career win. He achieved the milestone on Saturday, April 18 with a 4-1 win over the Athens Wildcats, and his career record currently stands at 111-50 following last night's win.

"I've had some good players around me for a while," said Carr. "That's all you can ask for. As a coach you're only as good as the players you have and each year I've hard very hard working teams and everyone that's played for me has given 100% every game and that's all you can ask for. It's an award that should be shared with the last eight teams I've had. I'm very grateful for it and it's awesome."

With the win, the Lady Hornets improve to 16-1. The team will be back in action on Monday, May 11 as they host Jersey Shore.

WellsboroAthletics.com would also like to congratulate Coach Carr on his milestone and the team for winning the the NTL Division 1 championship.