By Keeghan Gittins
For The New Era
Sweet Home softball battled No. 7 Molalla in a close contest that came down to the final inning, ultimately falling to a late home run by the Indians, losing 6-5.
Molalla threatened early, sending multiple line drives into center and left field with runners on second base. The Huskies’ defense responded each time, as Addy Vannice and Trinity Victor threw out runners at the plate, with Natalie Smith completing the plays with tags to prevent runs.
Sweet Home built a 5-2 lead heading into the top of the sixth inning, but Molalla answered with three straight runs to tie the game. After a quick sequence of pop outs, the Indians carried their momentum into the next inning.
Brooklyn Brady then delivered the decisive blow, hitting the game’s only home run to give Molalla the lead.
Katriona “Peanut” Harris kept the Huskies within reach, striking out three consecutive batters to close the inning.
In the final frame, Sweet Home fought to extend the game. With two outs, Taylee Rosa hit a double to keep the rally alive, but Trinity Victor grounded out to third base to end the game.
Molalla had two solid pitchers, each recording five strikeouts.
“We need to work on hitting against more competitive pitchers. It is good for us to see better pitching and hitting, like against Molalla, to help prepare us for stronger teams in our league,” Coach Emily Marchbanks said.
Despite the loss, Sweet Home showed resilience throughout.
“I felt like our team never gave up or let up during either game,” Marchbanks said.
Earlier in the week the Huskies had a strong outing against Cottage Grove, winning 8-3.
Harris pitched all seven innings, recording 10 strikeouts while throwing 121 pitches, 76 of them strikes. The Huskies’ defense supported her effort, allowing just five hits in 32 at-bats.
In general, pitching is the first line of defense, so having a dominating game definitely makes things easier for the rest of the team,” the coach said. “But we play several teams who are excellent hitters, so the team will have to back Peanut up.”
Offensively, Emma Rosa led the team with three hits and scored two runs, tying Aaliyah Brown for the team lead in runs. Every player in the starting lineup recorded at least one hit.
Vannice set the tone early, leading off the game with a triple that hit the fence.
“It is always nice to see their hard work pay off,” Marchbanks said.
The Huskies have a long road series ahead of them playing their next six games away, returning home to start league play against Philomath on April 20.
