Alspaugh tosses no-hitter
Staff reports
Cassie Alspaugh threw a no-hitter in Greencastle's 11-1 win over Monrovia on Tuesday. The Tiger Cubs record improved to 3-11 and 2-5 in the WCC.
The club's newfound confidence came together on both sides of the ball between Alspaugh's pitching and a total of 10 hits.
"I'm not sure this team realizes how much they are improving but they are improving every game," coach Dave Keller said.
Offensively, Samantha Sillery led the way, going 3-for-3 with a double and three runs batted in. Erika Collins was also perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with three RBI. Kylie Rowings went 2-for-3 with a triple.
"(Our) first home win in two years was the product of great pitching and great hitting," Keller said.
The Tiger Cubs were no slouches defensively, either. In the fifth, Brooke Lewis made a shoestring catch in centerfield and Kayla Nobles made a backhand stop at short stop to preserve the no-hitter.
"Defensively, we played well. We had two errors in the second inning that led to Monrovia's run, but Cassie only struck out three batters so the defense stepped up for her," Keller said.
The effort Keller has emphasized all year has begun to show in the win column, and the coach is excited.
"They have this mentality that they are going to give everything every time they walk on the field. This team is maturing and they have fun playing softball again. They know that they can be competitive in every game and they believe they can compete with anyone," he said.
"This team did exactly what was expected of them the last 2 games. We have played very well over the past 2 weeks and we are improving each game. I'm excited for the girls and the program," Keller said.
The Tiger Cubs return to action at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at North Putnam.
At Greencastle
Monrovia 010 00 -- 1 0 2
Greencastle 521 3X -- 11 10 2
W -- Alspaugh
L -- Maxwell
2B -- Sillery, Collins (GHS)
3B -- Rowings
Next game -- Greencastle travels to North Putnam at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.