The reasons for the success include an all-out team effort for hitting as well as everything else it takes to win games.
"With everyone back from last year, we're definitely a more experienced team," head coach Wayne Emenheiser said. "Our defense has improved tremendously over last year."
The offense? Oh yes, the offense. That's the part of your team that scores all those runs.
On Friday, the Indians offense received contributions from several batters, including junior Bella Mackison, who slugged a home run and drove in five runs on a 3-for-3 afternoon at Donegal.
Natalie Colwell went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two driven in. Kara Heidlauf doubled and drove in two. She also reached base twice on walks.
Starting pitcher Cara Biesecker gave the lineup what it needed. Slotted in the leadoff spot, the senior pitcher drew a walk and was twice hit by a pitch. She scored two times.
"We are hitting the ball hard 1 through 9, including the long ball," Emenheiser said. "We have had five different girls who have hit home runs already this season."
Biesecker has provided solid pitching. In games such as this, with the overpowering offense, the pitcher typically doesn't throw a lot of pitches due to the mercy rule.
Biesecker faced only 13 batters and allowed five hits and one walk. She struck out two.
"Her maturity and off-speed pitches, she has made a difference in the circle," added Emenheiser. "She has the ability to keep batters off balance."
On Monday, the Indians defeated Cocalico 14-4 on the road, improving to 9-1 on the year. The game went five innings before being called on the 10-run mercy rule.
Biesecker sat down five batters on strikes and allowed only five hits and two walks. She helped her cause with a three-hit day at the dish, scoring one run and knocking in another.
Heidlauf hit a blast that left the ballpark in this game. She went 3-for-3 with the home run, triple and four RBI's.
Allie Beamesderfer also had three hits, including a double and a triple. She knocked in two runs. Mackison (2-for-4) slugged two doubles. Emma Garber went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI's.
And speaking of contributions 1 through 9, Esther Myers had two singles and a run batted in out of the number nine spot.
The Indians improved to 10-1 with their 11-1 defeat of Elco on the road Wednesday afternoon. Garber had a double and a homer, driving in four of the 11. Biesecker singled twice and, in the circle, allowed only four hits while s... Click here to read full article
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