Leopards clinch playoff berth with win over Rams
By Dean Dellamalva Jr.
MVI Sports
The Belle Vernon Area softball team locked up a spot in the postseason thanks to a huge game by Olivia Kolowitz.
The sophomore, starting for the injured Gracie Sokol, went 4 for 4 with three doubles and scored four runs as the Leopards knocked off rival Ringgold, 7-4, in Section 2-4A play Thursday.
Tara Callaway added three hits and drove in three runs for Belle Vernon (9-7, 6-4).
Kolowitz and Callaway were the last two batters in the order but carried the Leopards to victory.
BVA’s third and fourth batters – Ashley Joll and Sophie Godzak – were a combined 2 for 9 with five strikeouts.
“I was a little worried at the beginning because my three and four hitters struck out five times the first couple times through,” Leps coach Tom Rodriguez said. “This was the first time I’ve gotten (Kolowitz) in. Guess what, Kolowitz is moving up in the lineup. She has shown some sparks, she had a double against Uniontown yesterday.”
The Rams (2-11, 1-8) may have had one of their best games this season despite the loss. Ringgold’s youth battled back twice in the game to keep it interesting, but some fielding issues kept them from being even closer.
“We played better, this was the team I thought we were going to have this year,” Rams coach Gregg Adams said. “We finally settled down a little bit. I’m happy, but we can’t get through the mistakes. A simple pop-up has to be caught. At this level, there is no wiggle room.”
Talia Ross picked up the win for the Leopards on the mound going the distance with five strikeouts and just two walks. She allowed just three hits over the first four innings and at one point, sat down six Ringgold hitters in order.
“Talia pitched well today. She hasn’t pitched for a while,” Rodriguez said.
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