Kirtland honored its seniors on Monday with a dominating 11-0 win over visiting Fairport Harding.
The Hornets used nine hits, including a pair of Elizabeth Vernon triples, and 13 strikeouts from Emily Ungrady to send off their seniors with their ninth win of the season.
“Our senior class is the prime example of what you want in your program,” said Kirtland coach Jamie Kamensky. “Their energy, drive, passion, and dedication is something that will leave a legacy.”
Ungrady and Vernon proved the Hornets have plenty of talent in the underclassmen ranks as well.
Vernon finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI while Ungrady was 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and knocked in five runs. She also struck out a season-high 13 and allowed just one hit in six innings of work.
“I just felt great today and wanted to go out there and play for the seniors as it was their night,” Ungrady said. “It felt great to be able to do that because they have all had my back all year and it was just a great feeling to play my best in honor of them tonight. It was a great game by everyone. We were hitting from the top of the lineup to the bottom and everyone contributed in some way.”
Each of the five seniors contributed to the win.
Danielle Davis and Morgan Faber both finished 2-for-2 for the Hornets while Faber knocked in three runs.
“Danielle Davis’s ability to execute, provide speed and power, and control in the outfield was something that shined through today and her entire career,” Kamensky said. “Morgan Faber’s willingness to sacrifice bunt, hit for contact, and play a great role is something that was perfectly modeled for our younger girls.”
Catcher Vikki Carriero finished with one hit.
“Vikki’s take charge attitude and passion is something that will forever leave a lasting voice in our program,” Kamensky said.
Colleen Baldrey and Katie McCollister both drew a pair of walks and McCollister scored three runs.
“Colleen Baldrey’s compassion for her teammates and ability to pick people up is something that is contagious and our young girls are really feeding off of it,” Kamensky said. “Katie McCollister’s resilience and ability to react in the moment shows our young girls how to play a game you love.”
The Hornets improved to 9-4 overall and they hope to allow their seniors to extend their seasons deep into the postseason.
“These five seniors are something special,” Kamensky said. “As a coach, it’s always hard to graduate players and we will definitely miss them, but watching them grow over the last few years we are excited to see the success they will experience in the future.”
