Hometown Softball Broadcast Recap for South Side on 5/7/14

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, May 8, 2014 | 8:59 AM

It was senior day in Hookstown as the South Side Rams took on the Neshannock Lancers on Wednesday. With a win the Rams would have a share of the section title. With a loss it would be third place for South Side. Their dreams of  sharing a section championship were not to be realized as they dropped a 10-3 decision to the Lancers.

Neshannock started strong getting 3 runs on 4 hits in the first inning and 1 run on 3 hits in the second to lead 4-0. Starting Pitcher Sarah Androlia only lasted 2 innings for South Side and was replaced by Sophomore Connor Mggaffic. She lasted 3 innings giving up 6 runs on 7 hits. The Lancers known for their hitting prowess led 8-0 going into the bottom of the 4th inning. The Rams had one hit thru 4 innings before Androlia hit a 2 out double then MgGaffic hit a towering HR. The Sophomore and Pitt recruit has 27 HR thru 2 seasons, and helped cut the lead to 8-2.

 Neshannock led 10-2 after 5 innings when the Rams brought in  Freshman pitcher McKenna Smith. One of two up and coming young first year pitchers on the Rams staff she held the Lancers scoreless allowing only 2 hits, and 2 walks to keep her team in the game.The Rams would get one more run in the 6th inning as Cheyenne Siek led off with a single and scored on a Tracey Yacovielio RBI single.

Neshannock improves to 13-2 on the season and wins section 4 A with a 13-1 record. South Side ends their season at 11-3 in the section, and 13-3 overall. Both teams will make the playoffs as will section foe Shenango and start the playoffs next week.

In talking to Rams head coach Theresa Waxler after the game she was quoted as saying ‘They just hit the ball today” referring to the Lancers. Neshannock was led by their start pitcher Madisn Schaffer who pitched 7 innings, striking out 7, walking 2, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs. Every Lancer player reached base at least once, 8 of the 9 girls got hits, and 7 of 9 had an RBI.

South Side was led on offense by Androlia who was 2 for 3 with 2 doubles. The senior who has been a starter for all four years is a 3 sport star as she has been a member of the Volleyball and Basketball teams as well. In addition she has a part time job and when asked how she gets it all done in addition to getting her school work done she just laughed and smiled and said ‘ I’m not sure”

Two other Seniors were honored in ceremonies after the game.  Amber Marburger a reserve OF/1B, and Cassidy Smith a reserve OF also saw their careers as Rams end. All three girls recieved flowers, and were introduced with their parents. As a show of sportsmanship the Lancer girls wished them luck from their dugout, congratulating them an Senior Day. In accordance with tradition the seniors had to run the gauntlet of silly string as well. all the members of the coaching staff, the players, and even a few fans line up and douse the girls as they run the bases one last time.

Even though the loss dampened things a bit for the Rams, its a young team with 3 Junior starters, 3 Sophomore starters, and 2 Freshman who start. They have talent at every position, play very good defense, and all of them can hit. If the young pitchers can come thru this team can have a very successful playoff season.

Catch all of their playoff action along with the other Home Town Softball playoff teams right here on the MSA Sports Network.