Boiling Springs, NC.-  The Saint Francis softball team (7-7) concluded the Gardner-Webb Tournament with a roaring 12-7 victory over the Bowling Green Falcons.

The Red Flash started hard and fast. Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) was plucked by a pitch and Hayley Norton (Spring Grove, Pa./Spring Grove) continued her hot streak with a lightning bolt over the center field fence for the early two-run lead.

Bowling Green countered with three runs. A HBP and a bunt single gave the Falcons two base runners. A single through the right side scored a run. Sorgi followed up with a double down the left field line to take a 3-2 lead. Two fly balls finished the inning but the damage was done.

In the second inning, the Red Flash obtained a lead-off single from Sierra McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) but a sacrifice bunt, a grounder, and a looking strikeout used up all three outs. Bowling Green also was unable to push across any runs.

SFU struck back in the top of the third inning to regain the lead. Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) and Norton singled, Bower advanced them to second and third on a fly ball. Jordan Frank (DuBois, Pa./DuBois Central Catholic) drew a walk to load the bases and Sierra McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) slashed a single to drive in two runs.

Once again, the Falcons clawed back. A single, sac bunt, and a double scored a run to tie it up 4-4. Two outs followed to conclude the third inning.

Despite both squads hitting doubles, the fourth inning was scoreless as neither side were able to capitalize on the two-baggers.

But the top of the fifth inning told a different story. Norton commenced the stanza with an electric home run over the right side fence. They say lightning never strikes twice but it was the senior's second smash of the game. After two strikeouts, Sierra McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) deposited a ball into the home run bank account. It was 6-4 Red Flash.

Unfortunately for the thrice time, the Falcons flew right back in the game. A single and a hit by pitch allowed for two base runners and a single scored one run. A fielder's choice followed and then a double brought home the tying run. A groundout to third base ended the scoring.

The Red Flash entered the sixth inning determined to send the lightning down and the team was successful in doing so as six runs crossed the plate. Troxell walked, Saban singled and Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) played the role of Thor by launching a lightning bolt of a three-run homer over the indoor practice facility in left field. But SFU was not ceasing and desisting. Norton singled while Bower and Frank drew patient walks. Sierra McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) singled in a run. Brittney Crawford's (Canonsburg, Pa./Canon McMillan) single scooted through the middle and scored two run for a 12-6 lead.

Christina Clark (Avon, Ohio/Avon High School) entered the circle in the bottom of the sixth inning. She ceded a double but the three ground balls prevented that double from doing any damage.

Saint Francis, despite a Bower walk, couldn't push across any more insurance runs as all contact found gloves.

Bowling Green, to the Falcons' credit, kept dive bombing. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases. Another walk converted a base runner into a run. But Clark halted any improbable comeback with a harmless fly out and the Red Flash had win number seven.

Norton Rising in the Record Book
Hayley Norton's (Spring Grove, Pa./Spring Grove) four hits on the day passed Kelly Slingwine's third place mark of 194 and tied her with Taylor Parsons for 196. Norton is six hits away from tying Madison Cabell's (Ivor, Va./Southampton) mark of 202 hits.
Norton's two home runs gives her 47 for her illustrious career. That is one blast away from Seneca's record of 48 bombs.

Up Next

Following the example of the protagonist of Oh Susanna, the Red Flash are heading to Alabama for the Easton Crimson Classic.