SOFTBALL DiDomenico registers 15th win

Her five-hitter led Boardman to a 4-1 win over Poland and a 19-2 record.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
STRUTHERS -- Ashley DiDomenico scattered five hits, leading the Boardman High softball team to a 4-1 victory over Poland Wednesday at North Elementary School.
DiDomenico (15-2), who has been playing softball since she was 5, was on Boardman's Little League state championship team in the eighth grade.
The three-year letter winner, who plays shortstop or third base when not pitching, is also batting around .400 this season.
"I throw a drop ball, curve ball, change-up and try to jam batters inside with the fast ball," said DiDomenico, who struck out 10 batters.
The Spartans lost in the state semifinal her freshman year and fell to Howland in last year's district final. DiDomenico said she dropped her other sports to concentrate on softball.
Loves to compete
"I just love [the competition]," said DiDomenico. "Sometimes I even get key hits to help us. This is solid team and we are close, always trying to help each other out. It's like we are part of a big family."
The Spartans (19-2), the state's top-ranked team in the Division I coaches poll, took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning against Poland (15-4), which is ranked third in Div. II. Danielle Burin walked, moved to second on a wild pitch and third on a sacrifice. Jaclyn Corroto, who had two hits, singled home Burin and she scored off a double by Meagan Cunningham, who also singled home Krysta Sylvester in the third inning.
"Getting out to that early lead gave DiDomenico a little comfort," said Boardman coach Bill Amero. "She has matured stepping into the role of starter and mixes up her pitches well.
"We are capable of doing good things and also making mistakes. We have a lot of talent, depth, versatility and when we do things we're supposed to, we are as good as anybody."
Poland's only run
Poland got its only run in the fourth inning. Steffi Graf singled and was out at second as Kari Thompson reached base on a fielder's choice. Amanda Reardon came on as pinch runner for Thompson and was doubled home by Ciera Urichich.
"Poland has a good program so we try to get together at this time each year, just prior to tournament," said Amero. "This is a friendly rivalry and all of our games our close."
Losing pitcher Mallory Conger (11-3) struck out four batters. She also hit a pair of singles.