Lady ‘Cats Bounce Back at Selinsgrove

SELINSGROVE — Coming off a disheartening 8-1 loss to Jersey Shore earlier in the week, the Central Mountain softball team needed a pick-me-up on Thursday and got it from promising freshman Josie Dershem.

Dershem made her first varsity start in the circle a successful one, going all five innings in a 12-2 win at Selinsgrove. She gave up three hits and two runs, striking out four. Also the Lady Wildcat leadoff hitter, she helped herself at the bat, going 2-for-4 with a homerun, two RBIs and two runs scored.

The CM defense was perfect behind her and the offense totaled 11 hits. Senior Bree Hilty went 3-for-4 with a homerun and two doubles, driving in three and scoring three. Classmate Jess Strouse had a 2-for-3 game with a homerun, three runs scored and two RBIs. Mariah Major joined in with a 2-for-2 day with a double.

Coach Dave Peters said he liked what he saw, “The Lady Cats defense has struggled through a rainy April. They could complain about two practices on their field, three rain-outs last week, or lots of other excuses…but the seniors wouldn’t allow it.  CM made a commitment to improve their D, and on Thursday night they did just that:  five innings of errorless ball…five innings of solid pitching, scattering 2 runs, on 3 hits, and no walks.”  

The win put Central Mountain at 3-2 overall, 2-2 in the Heartland Conference. The team goes out of conference play on Friday, hosting District 6 foe State College (2-6) at the Lady Wildcats’ home field. Game time is 4:30 p.m.

CM 2 7 3 0 0 = 12-11-0
Sel 1 0 0 0 1 = 2 -3- 2