Conestoga cruises to win over Garnet Valley

By Bill Rudickbrudick55@gmail.com

BERWYN>>As the softball season moves into crunch time, Conestoga is firing on all cylinders. Against visiting Garnet Valley Wednesday afternoon at D’Ambrosia Park, the Pioneers (14-2 overall, 13-1 Central League) pushed across seven runs in the first two innings, then cruised to an 11-1 victory in five innings.

“Lead-off through nine, we were hitting line drives and putting the ball in play,” said Conestoga coach Charlotte Bosco. “This is the tightest team we’ve had at Conestoga in a long time. We all get along great, and have great chemistry. We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do in the post season.”

After starting pitcher Mary Crowley retired the Jaguars in order in the top of the first, the Pioneers wasted no time in getting going in the bottom half. Jamie Lofland (1-for-2, two stolen bases,two runs scored, RBI) stroked a lead-off single to left and Marisa Francione walked, Brennan Corr (3-for-3, three runs scored) picked up the first of her three RBI on the day with a single, moving up to second on an unsuccessful throw home.

Char Friel was up next, bringing Corr home with a single of her own, and came around to score when Ruija Yang reached on a fielder’s choice.

Lofland’s base hit was the 99th of her career, making her a virtual lock to reach the century mark this season, her junior year.

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Conestoga's Janie Lofland slides into home as Garnet Valey catcher Rylee Bailey (BILL RUDICK for MediaNews Group)