ONONDAGA COUNTY – For the first time this spring, the Liverpool and Cicero-North Syracuse softball teams would confront one another last Tuesday afternoon at the Gillette Road complex.
And it turned into another showcase for the Warriors, who rode Cassie Wiggins’ strong pitching and a well-balanced approach at the plate to a 9-0 victory over the Northstars.
Liverpool was no. 16 in the state Class AA rankings, a direct byproduct of handing no. 20-ranked Baldwinsville its first defeat of the season, 13-0, back on April 28.
This game was another shutout, with Wiggins close to flawless. All she allowed was one hit, a Riley Barrett single, amassing 10 strikeouts while not walking anyone.
Meanwhile, the Warriors took charge with a three-run second inning and four-run third inning off Northstars pitcher Lilian Hotalin before Eva Farone took over in relief the rest of the way.
Julia Wike went three-for-five to pace Liverpool, with Gracie Zankowski and Lily Stevens each getting a pair of hits. Ava Falvo drove in a pair of runs, with single RBIs going to Wike, Stevens and Zankowski.
C-NS went from here to taking a 5-1 defeat to West Genesee on Friday afternoon, the Wildcats breaking through with three runs in the first inning and adding two runs in the fifth.
Sydney Puttkamer drove Paige Glassford home with the Northstars’ lone run in the sixth. WG pitcher Maria Brandt not only threw a complete game, she doubled and drove in two runs as teammate Sophia VanHorn added three hits and an RBI.
Amid this busy week, Liverpool may play up to six games, including doubleheaders against West Genesee Tuesday and against Ballston Spa and Fairport Saturday at Carrier Park. C-NS faces Baldwinsville Thursday and then plays four games in the Mudville Tournament Saturday and Sunday, all against foes outside the Section III ranks.
