USV and Ridgedale trade Blows in High Scoring Softball Thriller

The Upper Scioto Valley Varsity Softball team pulled off a thrilling 11-10 win over Ridgedale on Monday in a nail-biting, back-and-forth game.

Upper Scioto Valley struck first in the opening inning when Ashlyn Downing doubled, driving in three runs. The Rams added another run in the second inning on a fielder’s choice by Ruby Risner to take a 4-2 lead.

Ridgedale answered in the third inning to take a 6-4 lead, but the Rams regained momentum in the fourth. Ruby Risner tripled to left field, Raegan Castle followed with a triple, and an error allowed another run to score, giving Upper Scioto Valley a 7-6 advantage.

Ridgedale responded again, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 10-7 lead. However, the Rams mounted a decisive rally in the sixth inning. An error brought in one run before Layla Hunsicker delivered the game-winning hit, a two-run single that gave Upper Scioto Valley an 11-10 lead.

Hunsicker led the Rams with two hits and three RBIs, while also stealing three bases. Downing also drove in three runs and collected two hits. Raegan Castle added two hits, including a triple, and earned the save in the circle. Ruby Risner contributed a triple and was credited with the win, pitching three innings while allowing three hits and six runs (four earned), with one strikeout and three walks. Audrey Lawrence reached base consistently with three walks.

As a team, Upper Scioto Valley recorded six stolen bases and applied constant pressure on the base paths.

Raegan Castle pitched four innings in relief to secure the save. Ridgedale was led by Riley Delaney, who pitched a complete game, allowing 11 runs (five earned) on eight hits while striking out four and walking eight.

With the win, Upper Scioto Valley improves to 2-0 in conference play and will be back in action against Ridgemont tonight (4/14) live on WKTN with a first pitch scheduled for 5 PM.