STAC SOFTBALL: EARLY LEAD CARRIES EXPRESS TO ROAD WIN OVER HORSEHEADS (24 PHOTOS) (2022-05-04)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
HORSEHEADS — A week ago Elmira watched Horseheads walk off with a one-run win over the Express which kick started a five-game Horseheads win streak.

On Tuesday the Express jumped out to an early lead, and then finished strong to end any comeback hopes as they ended the Horseheads win streak with a 10-7 victory.

“It feels great,” Elmira coach Tammy Woodard said of the win. “The girls really wanted it, especially after the close game we had with them last time. It’s a big momentum piece heading into our last few games. But, it is always a good feeling when you beat a rival.”

Elmira went up 4-0 through the top of the third inning, but Horseheads got three runs in the bottom of the third to get within one.

Both teams went scoreless in the fourth and both teams scored a run in the fifth and it was 5-4 entering the final two innings.

While the Blue Raiders scored two runs in the sixth and a run in the seventh, the Express got three in the sixth and two in the seventh to put the win away.

For Elmira the win is a big confidence booster.

“The girls know they can play with anyone,” Woodard said. “Again, you can’t hide the feel god feeling that comes with a good win. Wins always help build confidence and reinstall that when you work hard at practice each time you play you get better. “

Payton Ross had a three hit game for Elmira, with a triple, an RBI and two runs and Kaitlynn Place had a double and two RBI in the game.

Addison Taft, Addisyn Chorney, MacKenzie Fusare, Abigail Lambert and Hannah Lambert all had hits for Elmira in the game.

Taft had an RBI and Fusare scored three runs. Abigail Lambert had an RBI and scored two runs and Hannah Lambert had two RBI and scored a run.

Delaney Williams had an RBI and Madisen Jones and Ava Sherman each scored runs in the game.

For the Express it was some timely hitting and good pitching that helped the team pick up the win.

“Extremely happy,” Woodard said. “We were really able to capitalize with some great hits and some great pitching. By hitting the ball well we were able to back our pitchers as they threw a great game.

“You can’t be anything but happy on their performance and going out and getting the job done on the mound and at the plate.”

Eva Koratsis had three hits for Horseheads, with two doubles, and a run scored and Maddie Matkosky and Megan Wolf each had two hits in the game.

Matkosky had an RBI and a run scored and Wolf had a double and scored two runs.

Belle Giammichele had a triple for Horseheads and scored a run and Molly Wolf had a hit and two RBI.

Carly Scott had a hit and scored a run for the Blue Raiders and Olivia Packard and Rachel Lunger each had RBI while Grace Perritt scored a run.

Paityn Chorney went five innings on the mound, striking out two. Ross went the final two innings for Elmira.

Matkosky went four innings for Horseheads, and Megan Wolf struck out four over three innings of two-hit relief.
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES