The third win proved to be the hardest one for the Shenendehowa softball team.
The Plainswomen needed a three-run rally in the top of the seventh inning to defeat winless Ballston Spa 4-1 in Tuesday’s Suburban Council North Division game.
We didn’t get much offensive support, and it didn’t come until late in the game, said Shen coach Dan D’Amboise.
The Plainswomen (3-0) trailed 1-0 until they scored a run in the top of the sixth inning. Karen Sweeney and Kelly Leggett then powered Shen’s seventh-inning rally with RBI singles.
Senior pitcher Danielle Amyot earned her third victory of the season. Entering the game in the fourth inning, Amyot held Ballston Spa (0-2) hitless and struck out seven to continue her early dominance over Suburban Council hitters. Amyot shut out Shaker in her first start last Wednesday and pitched a no-hitter with 17 strikeouts against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake last Friday.
`It’s early yet, but it’s hard to beat a zero ERA,` D’Amboise said of Amyot. `She’s gotten some really nice defensive support from time to time but she’s been really solid.`
Shen’s 3-0 start isn’t remarkable by typical Shen standards, since the Plainswomen are used to being at the top of the Suburban Council standings. But after graduating the entire starting lineup from last year’s team, D’Amboise said he wasn’t certain how quickly this year’s group would gel.
`We’re developing very quickly ` ahead of my schedule,` said D’Amboise. `They’ve been a great group to work with.`
Maintaining that pace may be difficult for Shen, though. D’Amboise said the Suburban Council is getting tougher all the way around.
`I’ve never seen the Council have so many solid teams top to bottom,` said D’Amboise. `You have to come to the field ready to play, or you’re going to lose.`
Shen returns to action Thursday when it hosts Colonie. The Plainswomen then face Section I’s Harrison High School Saturday in Clifton Park before visiting Averill Park Monday.“