Cary-Grove outslugs Prairie Ridge

There wasn't the least bit of panic.

After Prairie Ridge plated 4 runs in the first inning, Cary-Grove responded with 3 in the bottom of the inning on a 3-run homer by Lisa Semro that easily cleared the center field fence.

In a game that featured a combined 18 runs, 21 hits and 9 errors, the Trojans were able to outslug the visiting Wolves 10-7 in a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division softball contest in Cary Wednesday afternoon.

'We have such an even-keeled, even-balanced team we didn't get bothered by PR scoring 4 runs in the first inning," said Semro. "I was glad to help us get back in the game. I got a good pitch to hit and hit it well. PR is super competitive and we knew we had to keep scoring."

With the score tied at 5 after three innings, PR grabbed the lead 7-5 with 2 in the fourth on a 2-RBI double by Maddie Drain.

The Trojans (8-5, 4-1) took the lead for good with 5 in the fifth off losing pitcher Hailey Baker to take a 10-7 advantage.

Aided by 3 PR errors, Cary-Grove got a 2-RBI single from Sarah Purpura and a run-scoring single by Jamie Deering.

"This team doesn't dwell on things and we did a good job of coming back after a bad first inning," said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. "We did a great job of putting pressure on them the entire game with our baserunning and our putting the ball in play. We were on the right side of things today."

In relief of starter Lauren Stanley, who was making her second appearance of the season, Amanda DeGroote was outstanding in relief. DeGroote, who allowed 1 run on 3 hits, struck out 3 and walked 1 in 3 innings to earn the win.

"We are bringing Lauren around slowly and she is pitching great," said Olson. "Amanda pitched well in relief and really picked up Lauren when she came out."

Alyssa Doomis was a perfect 4-of-4 from the plate with 4 RBI for PR while Drain contributed 3 hits with a double and 3 RBI.

Grace Pilz paced the Trojans with 3 hits while Caroline Zasadil produced 2 hits with 2 RBI.