Springs Valley Community High School

For the third consecutive season, the Springs Valley softball team has swept Orange County rival Orleans. Following a 10-2 win on the road earlier this month, the Blackhawks hosted the Bulldogs for the second half of their annual two-game slate. This time, the ‘Hawks won 4-1. After a pair of quiet innings to open the game, Springs Valley took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third and then doubled it in the bottom of the fourth. Orleans would claw back to put up a run in the game’s final frame, but its comeback attempt would end there. Lily Hickman led the way for Springs Valley from the circle, pitching a complete game. She allowed just one earned run on two hits, walking three and striking out seven. Stolen bases helped boost the Blackhawks to the win as they swiped six as a team on Friday. Brynne Buchanan led the way with two steals during an 0-1 performance that included a walk and a run batted in. Springs Valley also got one stolen base a piece from Molly Tucker, Kaylee MCNeely, Karson Dalton, and Skylan Emmons. Tucker went 1-3 with an RBI, Ashlyn Bonta went 1-3 with a double, Hickman went 1-2 with an RBI and a walk, and Tynley Kluesner went 1-3 as well. Emri Allen went 0-2, but reached on a walk and scored a run. Springs Valley (11-9, 5-1 PLAC) closed its regular season and guaranteed itself a winning record with the victory. Now, the Blackhawks will head into postseason play. They’ll open their Wood Memorial Sectional run on Tuesday, taking on rival Northeast Dubois. BLACKHAWKS 4, BULLDOGS 1 Orleans (11-13);000;000;1—1;2;1 Springs Valley (11-9);002;200;0—4;4;0 W: Hickman. L: Abel. 2B: Bonta. HR: Cline.