Softball: Young Rich Central Falls In Season Opener

Touching All the Bases: Hillcrest took advantage of four walks and five passed balls in the top of the first inning to plate three runs and take control of the game. The Hawks added runs in both the second and third innings and two in the fourth to close out the 7-0 win over Rich Central. The Olympians struggled at the plate as Hawks pitcher Latrisha Maxwell went the distance, giving up just one hit and striking out 17.

Patch’s MVP: Maxwell was the obvious star of the game with her one-hit shutout. For Rich Central, Shakena Sampson got the lone hit—a single up the middle in the bottom of the 6th inning.

Rich Central Leaders: In addition to Sampson’s single, the Olympians’ Donesha Turner, Lauren Richardson and Caitlin Short each reached base on walks.

Hillcrest Leaders: Leadoff hitter Samira Gray had a single, sacrifice and scored a run, while Jalisa Collins scored two runs.

Quotable I: Rich Central coach Mina Data: “I think the girls just needed to adjust and come together. We have a young team with one freshman, three sophomores starting. It’s definitely a learning process.”

Quotable II: Hillcrest coach Carissa Fetig: “(Latrisha Maxwell) has been working really hard. This is her  fourth year on varsity. She worked hard in the offseason to get to where she is right now.”

Team Records: Hillcrest improved to 2-0. Rich Central is 0-1.

What’s Next: Rich Central next plays Morgan Park on Monday at 4:30 p.m.