Hillgrove Tops Harrison 5-2, Maintains First In Region Standings
On Tuesday, the Hillgrove Hawks hosted the Harrison Hoyas in a key region match up in which a win for the Hoyas would even their season series with Hillgrove and potentially create a three way tie for first in the region standings. With Hillgrove knowing a win for them could help them maintain first place in the standings as well as give them a two game lead over the Hoyas, the Hawks would waste no time getting out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning after a pass ball by Hannah Turner would allow Morgan McQuagge to score from third base and Adison Black would later knock in a run after a fielder’s choice would have her thrown out at first.
The Hawks would add to their lead later in the bottom of the third inning when both Lexi Volckmann and Morgan Willingham would connect for RBI singles pushing the Hillgrove lead to 5-0. The Hoyas would eventually get some production at the plate thanks to a two run shot from Kyndall Rackley, but the solid defensive play by the Hawks defense behind pitcher Maddison Bishop that had been on display throughout the game, would limit Harrison to the two runs allowing the Hawks to pick up the 5-2 win.
Following the win Hillgrove head coach, Laura Voyles, said a goal of the team this season has been to “score first” to get things going their way early. “Nine times out of ten, if we can score first and score often, it works out good in our favor,” Volyes said. Coach Voyles also spoke on the defensive play of her team behind Bishop, saying that their goal of “one or less eras per game” has helped them with the success they have seen thus far this season. “We talk about goals after every single game. Did we reach this goal, what do we have to do better to accomplish that goal? That’s what we focus on, our small goals and don’t worry about the team we’re playing.” With the win, the Hawks improve to 14-5 overall and 9-1 in the region standings maintain first place, moving two games ahead of Harrison and take a 2-0 series lead over the Hoyas.
