In pursuit of more championship glory, the Canastota softball team met Sherburne-Earlville in last Thursday’s 2010 season opener — and found more success, putting together a 6-0 shutout of the Marauders. Many stars are back from last year’s Section III Class B title team, including Jessica Patterelli, who takes over full-time in the pitcher’s circle after the graduation of ace Liz McGinley. Having pitched plenty in recent years, Patterelli was ready for her opening assignment, throwing a one-hitter as she struck out nine S-E batters. Meanwhile, Canastota hit its stride at the plate in the top of the third inning, getting four runs off Marauder pitcher Liz Farrow, then tacking on single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Emily Harp had three of Canastota’s nine hits, doubling and driving in a run, while Alexis Havens also had three hits. Alicia Hibbard doubled and finished with two RBIs. As this went on, Hamilton put together a stirring comeback against Oriskany, the reigning Class D-1 champions, as it beat the Redskins 11-4. For five innings, the Emerald Knights, who were 1-1 managed just one run off Oriskany pitcher Meghan Carlo as the Redskins scored in the first, second and fourth frames to grab a 4-1 edge. But with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning, Hamilton erupted.
Sara Whyatt coaxed a walk from Carlo, and Meghan Wyatt followed with a double to drive her home, making it 4-2. Jordan Peterson singled, and Rachel Holcomb’s perfectly placed bunt brought another run home, so it was 4-3. With Carlo wearing down, the Emerald Knights pounced even more. Even on Rebecca Rogers’ groundout, a wild throw allowed Peterson and Holcomb to race home, and suddenly Hamilton had a 5-4 lead. And more runs would follow. Kaitlyn Askew reached with a single, and hits followed from Sam Martin and both Whyatt sisters. Peterson coaxed a walk, too, and by the time the whole thing was done, Hamilton had scored five more runs, 10 for the inning. Martin, who pitched the whole way, got the last three outs.