Gabica Rolls to First Win of Doubleheader; Falcons Almost Stumble in Nightcap

Imari Gabica was splendid as an off the bench starter scattering 2 hits and striking out 7 as Elmira's softball team cruised to an easy 13-1 victory over lowly Siuslaw, Thursday April 11 at Elmira High School.  Gabica received more than enough help as Carly Grossmiller, from her 9 spot in the order, rang up 4 hits and 4 RBI's as the Lady Falcons raised their record to 10-4 on the season

The second game however was a completely different story as star pitcher Maranda Hanson found herself in jam after jam to the Lady Vikings as Siuslaw was spotted a 5-run lead after 3 and half innings.  However, Siuslaw pitching found the going no smoother than Hanson did.  Vikings' pitcher Nina Aaron was blistered by Falcon hitters as they rocked the junior hurler for 17 hits including Ashley Feltz's fifth home run of the season.  Feltz was 3 for 5 in the game with 3 RBIs.  It spelled a raucous and unlikely 11-10 squeaker over Siuslaw to sweep the double header. 

Despite rallying for 6 runs in the fourth and fifth innings, Siuslaw took the lead in the top of the sixth inning when Hanson walked the lead off batter, the pitcher's nemesis.  Pinch runner Angela Bartlett advanced to third on a fielder's choice and an error by Feltz.  Lita Figueroa cashed in the walk and error by slapping a single into center field to tie the game at 10. 

The Lady Falcons rallied again in the bottom of the inning.  Sarah Stout crushed a double into the center field alley, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Deja Rhodes singled into center.  Hanson then retired the side in order to set all things right again. 

Still it was the Elmira bats that carried the day.  The 24 runs scored in the double header made the Lady Falcons the sixth highest scoring team in 4A so far this season.  The road ahead does not get easier.  Up next for 11-4 Elmira is a road test against sixth ranked Marist Catholic.  A victory would thrust Elmira into the playoff conversation in a visceral way with a 4 more games with Marist and league leader Junction city; two double headers that will be played here at Elmira High School.  That is if the Lady Falcons can avoid stubbing their toes against the lower tiered teams in the second half of league play.