Ross punches out nine as Leps roll

By JOSE NEGRON

jnegron@yourmvi.com

With senior pitcher Sophie Godzak currently on the shelf with an injury, the Belle Vernon Area softball team is in a position where it must now rely on the left arm of Talia Ross, a freshman with limited varsity time under her belt. 

Ross, technically BVA’s third starter, entered Monday having played in two games at the high school level. She gave up nine runs on eight hits in her debut against Greensburg Salem Friday before allowing eight runs in a loss to Latrobe Saturday. 

Start No. 3 was more ideal for Ross as the freshman proved to be a reliable asset in the circle in a 9-3 non-section win over visiting Waynesburg Central. 

Ross allowed two earned runs on six hits while walking a pair and striking out nine. She had seven of her strikeouts through the first three innings. 

“She really did well and stepped up for us today,” BVA head coach Tom Rodriguez said. “Her screwball is really what helps her. As a left-hander, it really serves like a curve that is working away from the batter.”

Ross had plenty of run support as the Leopards (2-1) struck for 11 hits and scored five of their runs in the opening two innings. 

The offensive production – and the support for Ross – was a welcomed sight after the team was held hitless in five innings against Latrobe pitcher Jordan Tallman Saturday. 

“They had a really good pitcher, so there wasn’t much we could do,” Rodriguez said of the Wildcats. “I really feel like we have a bunch of hitters with this group.”

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