Kirtland's seniors have been through a lot together during their four years on the Hornets softball team.
That’s why winning a fourth straight Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title with a 12-1 win at Cuyahoga Heights on Friday means so much.
“I couldn't be happier,” said centerfielder Cameraon Garcia who had a pair of sacrifice bunts on Friday. “To me, we just finished the work that was started four years ago by our upperclassmen. They taught us how to work for it, and I hope we can do the same for the grades below us. Especially considering what a struggle this year has been for our team, I can't imagine a better ending for us seniors.”
The Hornets improved to 13-0 overall and 11-0 in league play with one conference game remaining.
“Working with these girls couldn’t have been better,” said first baseman Olivia Mancisio. “We worked so hard and with the struggles we have we work harder.”
Kirtland scored two runs in the top of the first on a double by Hallie Ward and singles by Lindsay Ward and Mancisio.
The Hornets made it 6-0 in the third when Liz Vernon reached on a fielder’s choice, Lindsay Ward and Mancisio hit back-to-back singles and Vikki Carriero and Danielle Meyer both singled.
Lindsay Ward led off the fifth with a double and scored on Carriero’s single to make it 7-0.
Cuyahoga Heights finally scored a run off Lindsay Ward in the bottom of the fifth but the Hornets put it away with five runs in the top of the seventh.
Hallie Ward, Lindsay Ward, Mancisio and Carriero all finished with three hits in the game. Both Wards had doubles.
“I am so proud of this team,” Hallie Ward said. “This season, we have gone through several ups and downs but we never let that affect us. Our lineup is filled with leaders so it is never one or two people saving the day. Everyone is producing hits. The heart on this team is what keeps us going. I am so blessed to play with such a great group of girls my senior year.”
Lindsay Ward allowed just the one earned run on two hits and she struck out two.
The Hornets host Brookside in a doubleheader on Saturday.
