IAC SOFTBALL: HINE, LUTHER POWER TIOGA TO 5-1 WIN OVER EDISON (2022-05-03)

Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER — Senior Alissa Hine tossed a complete game, and freshman Erin Luther delivered the big blow at the plate to lead Tioga to a 5-1 win over Edison here Tuesday afternoon in IAC softball action.

It was another good game by the girls,” said Tioga coach Stephanie Hills. “We played very well.”

Hine allowed one run on three hits, while striking out three and walking three in a complete-game, seven-inning effort to earn the win.

“Alissa (Hine) has been a huge part of our team,” said Hills. “She is focused in the circle and takes it pitch by pitch, while mentally dealing with the chatter that was going on tonight.

“Alissa has been doing a very good job the last few games keeping batters on their toes and off balance.

“We believe that she is finally coming into her stride and peaking at the right time in the season,” added Hills.

Tioga used a two-out rally in the home half of the first inning to take the lead. Junior M.J. Thetga walked, courtesy runner senior Gabby Foley stole second and took third on an errant throw, then scored on a single by Luther to make it 1-0.

The Lady Tigers added to their lead in the second inning. Junior Felicia Lantz and senior Austyn Vance led off with back-to-back singles. Freshman McKenzie Williams knocked in a run with a fielder’s choice grounder, and senior Molly Bombard picked up an RBI with a groundout to make it 3-0.

Edison closed the gap to 3-1 with a run in the top of the third, but Tioga answered with a single by Thetga, and a two-run home run to left field by Luther to extend the lead to 5-1.

Hine did not retired the Lady Spartans in order in any of the last four innings, but effectively pitched with runners on base.

Luther homered and singled, scored one run, and drove in three runs, while Lantz and Vance each singled and scored one run, Thetga and senior Julia Bellis each added a single, Williams and Bombard each had one RBI, and Gabby Foley scored two runs and had three stolen bases.

Tioga, now 10-1, returns to action Wednesday at Watkins Glen.

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IN PHOTO: Tioga’s Alissa Hine. … VSR STOCK PHOTO.