LATHAM — The Shaker softball team entered the 2023 season believing it could be a Class AA title contender. Recent performances showed the Blue Bison to be on the right track and on Wednesday, the squad solidified itself as a worthy contender for the title in the state’s largest classification.
Shaker rallied for three runs in the bottom of the sixth to erase a two-run deficit and sophomore pitcher Hannah Hipwell made the lead hold up as she retired the top three hitters in Shenendehowa’s batting order to secure a 3-2 Suburban Council victory over the Plainsmen.
“It is really big for us. We haven’t beaten them in many years,” Shaker senior catcher Brianna Hartwick said. “This is a very big win for us.”
“We’ve haven’t beaten Shen in several years,” said Shaker coach Rory Ogden, who did not enjoy a win as a pitcher for Shaker against the Plainsmen during her playing career. “This is not only a big win in the league standings, it is a huge win for our morale.”
“That was a total team effort,” said Hipwell, who allowed three hits and struck out four. “I really have to thank Bri. She was great back there.”
Shaker (5-5 overall, 5-3 Suburban Council) fell behind 2-0 as the Plainsmen (6-4, 5-3) scored single runs in the fifth and sixth. The Blue Bison responded by tallying three runs in the bottom of the sixth against Shenendehowa junior pitcher Breanna Hayes.
Shaker junior shortstop Lola Lofrumento and Hipwell each singled. Senior first baseman Grace Harris followed with a sacrifice bunt that Hayes fielded and fired high to first to allow her to reach and Lofrumento to score from second base to trim the deficit to 2-1.
“I think Bre was in good control of the game. She was hitting her spots,” Shenendehowa coach Chris Farquharson said. “We talked about it after the game. They strung a few good hits together and executed the bunt,…
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