After several rained out games, the Wildcat softball players returned to the diamond for the Flint Kearsley Tournament on May 15 and to take on Linden May 17.
At the tourney, Oxford lost to Flint Kearsley in game one 2-8. Losing pitcher Amber Cervantez gave up 12 hits, including seven earned runs, in the seven innings. Leading offensively were Jessica Anhel and Ali Belmonte who each went two for three.
In game two, the Lady Cats again lost 2-8, this time to the Holly Bronchos. The game opened up at the lowest point possibly in the top of the first with the loss of catcher and star hitter Jessica Anhel. The Wildcat junior received a concussion after she was hit in the head with a ball.
The Lady Cats tried to focus on the game, especially after Holly scored three runs in the bottom of the first, but only two runs at the top of third were not enough for a win. Jenni Rhodes, who went two for three, scored one of the runs. Taking one hit each were Shannon Gerbe, Anne Marie Skylis and Cervantez. Losing pitcher after five innings was Megan Bono.
Oxford regrouped though for a 7-1 win in game three against Carmen-Ainsworth. Winning pitcher Cervantez held the Wildcat opponent to only five hits and one earned run in the five innings. Leading offensively were Gerbe and Bono each with two runs scored, and Rhodes with one run.
On May 17, the Lady Wildcats fought a tough doubleheader against Linden. The team split with a 1-2 loss in game one and a 4-3 win in game two.
Oxford’s Shannon Gerbe, who went two for three, scored the only run in the bottom of the sixth for the Cats in game one; however, the team’s weakness was once again hitting.
‘Oxford struck out eight times swinging at bad pitches and not being disciplined enough to not only swing at strikes,? said Coach Sue Roeher.
However, the head softball coach had nothing but praise for her backup catcher.
‘Amanda Jolly did great behind the plate in place of Anhel,? she said. ‘She did well.?
The Lady Cats sprung back in game two with every starter getting at least one hit. Winning pitcher Bono held Linden to only five hits and two earned runs in the eight innings. At the plate, she went two for four and scored one run.
The Wildcats held tight to Linden with the score tied 3-3 going into the bottom of the eighth for overtime. With Bono on third and Rhodes on second, senior Shannon Gerbe squeezed in a hit that brought Bono in for the win.
Oxford stands 8-14 overall and 2-4 in the league. The team has a couple make up games to complete, weather permitting. The next formally scheduled game is against Richmond on June 2.