NEW MADISON – Two of the area’s top softball teams met Friday afternoon in less-than-ideal
conditions, but Tri-Village proved to be the stronger side, riding a dominant pitching
performance from Caley McCarroll to a key win over Covington.
The Buccaneers entered the game at 16-3, while the Patriots came in at 13-3, with both teams
carrying high expectations as the postseason approaches.
“That’s a really solid program,” said Tri-Village head coach Emily Osborne. “They were at the
semifinals last year. We’re looking forward to seeing them in Akron again this year.”
Both teams were sharp in the circle, but Tri-Village capitalized on its opportunities at the plate to
create separation. McCarroll was outstanding, limiting Covington to just four hits while
recording the shutout.
“Both pitchers really battled,” Osborne said. “We only had seven hits ourselves and they ended
up with four. They worked hard.”
Defense was a major factor throughout, with both teams flashing the skills that have contributed
to their success this season. Several diving and sliding plays in both the infield and outfield kept
runs at a premium.
“There were some big catches and big plays,” Osborne added. “Take your pick on who was
player of the game—they were all really good.”
Holding a 3-0 lead in the fourth inning, Tri-Village got a big swing from third baseman Emma
Greer. On the first pitch she saw, Greer launched a two-run home run over the center field fence,
extending the Patriots’ lead to 5-0.
“She is so good at taking that first pitch and driving it hard,” Osborne said.
Whitney Burns pitched well for Covington but was tagged with the loss. Cassidy Iddings led the
Buccaneers offensively with two hits.
McCarroll earned the win for Tri-Village, pitching a complete game with seven innings of work,
striking out seven and issuing just one walk.
