by Devan Matthews
Correspondent
After snapping a four-game losing streak, the Maple Heights High School softball team has put itself in a position to repeat as Lake Erie League Erie Division champion.
The last loss of the four-game skid was an 18-5 defeat at the hands of Midpark April 29 at home.
The first inning was not a particularly kind one for the Mustangs, as the Meteors scored 13 runs, thanks in large part to a bevy of errors by Maple Heights.
"Once again, we had an inning where we committed a lot of errors," said Maple Heights head coach Rocco Covelli. "It was very frustrating."
Freshman Kaitlin Smith started on the mound for the Mustangs. She was relieved by junior Shanna Gregory, who went the rest of the way, allowing five runs.
There was some good news for Maple Heights, though. The Mustangs scored five runs in the fifth inning off a very good pitcher.
Junior Krystina Pace slammed a two-run homer during the fifth frame for Maple Heights. She finished 3-for-3 at the plate.
On April 30, the Mustangs hosted division foe Cleveland Heights, defeating the Tigers by the score of 10-6.
Four players had big hits for Maple Heights. Pace smacked a two-out double and drove in a pair of runs, junior Ashley Borden had a two-out triple and two RBIs, junior Arlene Foster contributed a two-out single and two RBIs and senior Sam DeJarnett also had a two-out single and two RBIs.
"Our problem lately has been getting runners on base and then not being able to drive them in," said Covelli. "It was a better game in that regard, but we also gave up five runs on two hits in one inning. We're still trying to get rid of that one bad inning."
On May 1, Maple Heights traveled to non-league opponent Akron Garfield to play under the lights.
The Mustangs drilled the Rams by the score of 17-0 in five innings, as DeJarnett fired a three-hitter and struck out seven batters.
Pace led Maple Heights offensively with three triples. That gives her seven three-baggers for the season.
In addition, senior Crystal Alexander cracked her first career home run down the third base line, and Gregory added three hits.
On May 5, Maple Heights hit the road again, this time traveling to Cornerstone Christian Academy.
"It turned out to be a very close game," said Covelli. "We had no clue what this team would be like."
The Mustangs prevailed by the score of 3-1.
DeJarnett pitched another complete game. Once again, she only allowed three hits. She also whiffed 10 batters and issued just one free pass.
"Sam has been averaging about four or five walks a game," said Covelli. "She pitched a beauty against Cornerstone, though."
Maple Heights managed six hits, and Pace accounted for three of them. She socked two doubles and a single and drove in a run.
"Krystina has been tremendous for us," said Covelli. "She's been our best hitter all season."
With the victory over Cornerstone Christian Academy, the Mustangs improved their overall record to 8-6. Their ledger in the Erie Division of the LEL is 4-1.
Maple Heights was set to battle Cleveland Heights May 6 and Bedford May 7, but results weren't available at press time.
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