Scotia-Glenville vs. Gloversville: Mayette does job in circle, at bat

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bill Palmer

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Jen Mayette wanted a chance to make up for a mistake she made earlier in Wednesday’s game.

The Scotia-Glenville junior did just that, singling home what would be the winning run in the fifth inning of a 3-2 Foothills Council softball victory over Gloversville.

Mayette had given up a home run to Ashley Ostrander to open the Gloversville fourth after going through the Huskies’ lineup in order the first three innings.

“I left a pitch up, and she hit it,” said Mayette. “The first three innings, I felt comfortable.

“When I got up later in the game, I wanted to come through.”

“She left that one pitch up, but other than that, she pitched very well,” said Scotia coach Eric McNulty of Mayette, who struck out 11 and walked one. “Even on that home run, our right fielder came in at first, then it went over her head.”

Gloversville added a second run in that inning when Alexis Capasso had an RBI single to put the visitors up, 2-1.

Scotia got that run back in the home fourth on two singles and an error. Mayette’s winning hit brought home Hannah Angelo, whose one-out shot down the left-field line was ruled a triple when the ball rolled out of play.

Zoe Purvis had tripled to left and scored on a throwing error in the third inning.

“Zoe hit that ball well, and Hannah hit that shot right down the line,” said McNulty. “Some games we’ve gotten hits, but not that big hit. We got enough today.”

Scotia’s defense preserved the win in the seventh inning.

Megan Patterson led off the Gloversville seventh with a double, barely beating the throw. Ashley Funk then hit a bouncer to Scotia third baseman Laila Day, who caught Patterson halfway between second and third. Patterson was out in a rundown, and after Mayette got her final strikeout, catcher Kayleigh Miles threw out Funk trying to steal second base.

“Laila made a smart play,” said McNulty. “I tell them that anyone can hit or field, but you have to know how to play the game, know what the situation is. That was a big play.”

Miles was moved to catcher after Lauren Melanson was injured. That injury left McNulty with nine available players Wednesday.

“Kayleigh made a nice throw,” said McNulty. “She’s done well since we had to put her back there after Lauren got hurt.”

For Gloversville, it was a case of close, but not quite. The win left the Huskies 0-9 in league play, and came 24 hours after a loss to rival Johnstown.

“They’ve been through a lot this year, but they’re still playing hard. They’re still fighting back,” said Mark Schneider, who inherited the varsity coaching position four games ago after Bruce Bump was relieved of the head coaching job.

“The team is better than its record shows. I know that’s a cliche, but they are. They could have quit a long time ago.”

Scotia is looking to better last year’s 7-7 league record and 11-9 overall mark.

Mayette’s work in the circle has been a big part of the team’s 5-3, 9-4 start.

“Our first goal is always to win the league. Then we want to see what we can do in the sectionals,” Mayette said.

“I worked in the offseason to get ready, because I knew I would be pitching a lot this year. It’s easier when you know that you’ll be pitching most of the time.”

“Jen has really taken to her leadership role as a pitcher,” McNulty said. “She doesn’t want to let her teammates down, and she’s been that leader for us.”

Scotia has just three seniors on the roster — Angelo, Miles and outfielder Kayla deAprix.

“We’ve got some girls who are new, but the older kids have been good about helping them,” said McNulty.

“There’s a real good feeling with this team. We only have three

seniors, but everyone is into it and pulls for each other,” said Mayette.

Gloversville 000 200 0 — 2 5 2

Scotia-Glenville 001 110 x — 3 8 0

Stewart and Patterson; Mayette and Miles.