Knoch takes down Freeport for 4th straight softball win
FREEPORT — A trying start to the season has given way to winning with confidence for Knoch’s softball team.
After losing their first five games by a combined 28 runs, the Knights have won four straight, most recently a 22-6, three-inning decision in non-section play at Freeport on Wednesday.
“We opened the season with some really tough opponents, including Class 5A teams Shaler and Armstrong,” said Knoch coach Chris Gardner. “Armstrong won the WPIAL last year and played in the state title game.
“It was tough, but once (Class 4A) section play started, we were ready.”
Section wins over McKeesport, West Mifflin and Highlands preceded Knoch’s short trip to Freeport and the Knights took immediate control.
Patience at the plate paid off as Freeport starting pitcher Addison Gourley and reliever Aimee Heasley combined to walk 10 batters in the first inning. Freshman Marlee Fraser had Knoch’s two hits in the frame, a two-run double that plated Lindsay Edwards and Lizzie Danik and a single later on that pushed home Lindsay Wise and Edwards.
Junior Sydney Selker is Freeport’s top pitcher and started the game in center field before leaving the game with injury.
“We have two big section games coming up against Valley and Deer Lakes, so we decided to pitch Addison today,” said Freeport coach Ron DeJidas. “She’s a freshman and is learning. She’s giving it her best and that’s all you can ask for.”
Fraser finished the game with four hits, including a double, and seven runs batted in. Though she only batted Wednesday, she is often in the circle for the Knights.
“I was just hoping to get into the lineup this season,” Fraser said. “I didn’t have much confidence to start, but it’s improved a lot.”
Along with Selker leaving the game early, Freeport (4-5) was also without the services of junior infielder Abby DeJidas, a major cog in the Yellowjackets’ lineup who is battling an illness.
“All of our players are irreplaceable, but there’s a reason why Sydney and Abby are two of our captains, along with Aimee,” Ron DeJidas said. “We just want to get better every day. If we do that, the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”
As for the Knights (4-5), they will look to extend their winning streak in a section game Thursday at home against Indiana.
“Starting the season 0-5, yeah it sucks, but playing tough opponents does make you better,” said Wednesday’s winning pitcher, Sylvia Luffy.
Knoch (10)39 xxx x — 22 6 0
Freeport 006 xxx x — 6 3 2
WP: Sylvia Luffy 3 IP (3K, 5BB). LP: Addison Gourley .1 IP (0K, 8BB).
Knoch (4-5): Lizzie Danik 1B 2RBI, Marlee Fraser 3-1B 2B 7RBI, Grace Hensch 1B RBI
Freeport (4-5): Addyson Caruso 1B, Eryn Sweeny 1B 2RBI, Jayden Rezak 1B
Thursday: Valley at Freeport; Indiana at Knoch
