Northern Tier WEST Sports ReportATHENS — North Penn-Liberty was one-hit by Athens, but the Mounties capitalized on that hit and on one of only two walks they drew in the game to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season, 1-0.
After a scoreless first inning .. and a leadoff strikeout by Athens’ pitcher Gretchen Hiley .. the Mounties’ Elyna Booth watched four straight balls to reach first. With Kaylee Graham at the plate, a passed ball moved pinch-runner Addilyn Lehman to second before Graham went down after fouling off a bunt attempt with two strikes.
Elaina Shaw stepped up and delivered the Mounties’ lone hit of the game, driving the ball to left field for a two-out double and scoring Lehman for the eventual game-winner.
Booth started in the circle for Liberty and went the distance. The junior allowed two base hits, walked just one Athens’ batter and struck out seven as she and the Mounties' defense shut out a Wildcat squad that averages over eight runs scored per outing.
The Mounties’ win over Athens .. now 14-1 overall, 10-1 in the NTL and 7-1 in the large school division .. bumps them to 10-3 on the season .. 9-3 in the league and 6-3 in the NTL-I. They’re scheduled to host non-league Hughesville Thursday.
PHOTOS: Lance Larcom
