Panther Softball Team Wins Tournament

by Gary Danforth
Hoosick Falls softball Coach Charlie Weeden may have gotten a late Christmas gift. Junior first baseman/pitcher Katie Kovage took to the mound in the championship game of the Lansingburgh High School Tournament last Saturday, April 10 and pitched a four hit, three strikeout performance as HFCS beat the host Knights 6-0 for the title. With sophomore hurler Rachel Quackenbush taking over Kovage’s usual first base duties, Kovage did a nice job of keeping the ball in play for her defense, which backed her up all day. But, more importantly, Weeden may be able to give Quackenbush needed relief all season if Kovage continues to pitch the way she did in the title contest.
Hoosick Falls took a 1-0 lead when Samantha Skott singled to left center field and Quackenbush belted a double down the left field line. Lansingburgh threatened in inning two but the Panther defense was prime.
HFCS added a run in inning four. Marissa Davendonis singled to left field and Jones reached on a throwing error on her bunt attempt. Pearson drove in a run with a single to left centerfield. In inning five, HFCS broke the game open with four runs. Then, a double by the Panthers’ Sierra Bailey scored two more runs, good for a 6-0 HFCS lead and the win..
Roaming the Outfield: HFCS gave up zero runs in the tourney with 1-0 and 6-0 wins. The Panther defense made the plays needed to choke off any runs.