Olivia Pallini hit a home run and Jenna Suhy went 3-for-3 in leading Independence to a 10-0 win over visiting Kirtland on Friday.
With the win, the Blue Devils improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.
“It was a very rewarding team win, especially with the intensity that has grown between our teams over the past few years,” Suhy said.
Independence scored five runs on six hits in the bottom of the second.
Jordan Kohut, Elise Nelson, Alyssa Pallini and Suhy all singled in the inning while Morgan Pascarella doubled and Pallini hit her three-run shot.
Ashleigh Porter, Nelson and Hayley Biondi all pounded out doubles in the third as the Blue Devils increased their lead to 7-0 and Suhy, Olivia Pallini, Sarah Piteo and Porter all hit back-to-back singles in the fourth to add three more runs.
“It is extremely motivating when all of my teammates around me are doing well,” Suhy said. “We feed off of each other’s energy.”
Piteo picked up the pitching victory after allowing just two hits in four innings and fanning three. Kohut pitched the fifth. She struck out one and walked one.
The Blue Devils now have wins over two of the Valley Division’s top teams but they aren’t taking anything for granted.
“I keep reminding my team that we are all here for a reason,” Suhy said. “We all trust each other’s abilities and stay focused.”
Gianna Cantini and Morgan Carmosino both had hits for Kirtland.
Independence hosts Perry on Tuesday while Kirtland hosts Berkshire on Monday.
