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GALWAY — The Galway varsity softball squad pounded out 11 runs in the first inning leading to an 18-3 lopsided win over Gloversville in the non-league season opener for both squads.
Courtney Smith led Galway with her 2-for-4 day at the plate, scoring twice and driving in four runs before pitching the final three innings. Smith gave up all three runs, one earned, in relief. She struck out four batters and walked one.
Amber Kolpakas started the contest, throwing two no-hit innings for Galway with 17 runs scored on her behalf and striking out five batters.
Gloversville returned to the varsity level after playing at just the junior varsity level last season.
Galway was able to take advantage of seven walks, seven hit batters and three recorded errors in the field — contributing to a 17-0 advantage after two innings.
“Something that I told my players that we really need to focus on is after making a bobble or an error, we really need to scrap it,” first-year varsity coach Brittany Macri said. “Don’t let it snowball on us.That’s something that we do need to work on as a whole.”
Galway too is a young squad, graduating the bulk of its infield, but its youthful exuberance has shown throughout the pre-season and in its first contest.
“It was 28 degrees out here one night at 6 p.m., we couldn’t get out before then and they wanted to come out,” Galway coach Mike Smith said. The energy on this team is phenomenal and you could see that tonight, there was always noise in the dugout. I don’t think I said once tonight ‘Let’s add a little noise,’ the noise and dugout was great.”
Galway senior shortstop Alaina Aschumutat has had to adjust to the influx of new talent.
“Getting used to having different people in different spots has been a big challenge,” Aschmutat said. “But, I think that the people that are filling the spots have stepped up and they are filling the roles and doing great out there.”
Gloversville 002 10 — 3 3 3
Galway (11)61 0X — 18 8 1
