Pitching keys Starpoint
Timely hitting and solid pitching were the keys for Starpoint in a 2-1 win over Iroquois in an ECIC Division II softball matchup.Torri Purucker had the game-winning triple for Starpoint, which improved to 11-1 and stayed in first place in the league standings.
“With our pitching, if we can score two runs, we’ll win most of the time,” Spartan coach Joe Hill said.
Ashley Owens and Allison Block combined to throw a three-hitter for Starpoint.
“They’re two very different pitchers,” Hill said. “Ashley is a senior. She mixes up well. She throws hard but has a great change-up. Allison is a junior. She throws hard and has a great rise ball.”
Lancaster holds on
Lancaster took an early lead but had to hold off a second-half charge from West Seneca West to earn a 9-6 win in nonleague girls lacrosse.Lancaster went up 7-3 by halftime, but West Seneca West rallied, going on a three-goal run to cut into the lead.
“We had to try to limit our penalties and work hard on defense to limit their shots in the second half,” Lancaster coach Julie Buccieri said. “They’re a good, fast, athletic team, and we had to work hard to limit their time with the ball.
“In the first half we were able to control the clock a little better and move the ball.”
Grace Gabriel had two goals and three assists for Lancaster (12-2) while Allie Stewart had four goals. Larissa Kate Robinson made 12 saves in the win.
Felicia Suto scored four goals for West Seneca East.
Iroquois wins in extras
Steven Kaufmann had the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth to give Iroqouis a 6-5 win over Williamsville South in ECIC II baseball.Williamsville South tied the game in the sixth and the game went scoreless into the extra innings.
Matt Glowny doubled to center field and Kauffman had his second hit of the day to drive him in and give the Chiefs (9-6) the win.
Kaczor scores big goals
Courtney Kaczor scored the game-tying and game-winning goals as Mount Mercy earned a 14-13 overtime win over St. Mary’s/Lancaster in Monsignor Martin girls lacrosse.Mount Mercy had taken a 9-5 halftime lead, but St. Mary’s took a two-goal lead with two minutes left in regulation. With seven seconds left, Kaczor scored to send the game into overtime.
In the extra frame, Haley Kempf scored with 40 seconds left followed by another goal from Kaczor who finished with four goals and on assist. Kempf scored six goals for Mount Mercy.