DiDomenico powers Spartans’ romp
By Tom Williams
BOARDMAN
Tavia Dukes’ solo home run in the first inning served as a wake-up call for the Boardman High softball team in Thursday’s Division I sectional final at the Fields of Dreams.
Dukes’ hit was the only one the Raiders (10-11) produced in the Spartans’ five-inning 11-1 victory.
Alex DiDomenico struck out 12 and contributed a three-run homer.
“Alex is pitching very well,” Boardman coach Mike Trell said. “She was on top of her game.”
The Spartans (13-7) scored seven times in the bottom of the first inning to seize control. Brooke Meenachan’s four hits included two doubles as the Spartans advanced to today’s district semifinals. Her fifth-inning double brought home Julie Olbrych for a 10-1 run lead. The game ended when Brittany Haddle singled to score Meenachan.
It was the Spartans’ first game in seven days and Spartans second baseman Missy DeMarinis said it felt “amazing” to be in sunshine. “We’ve been practicing in our gym and it’s just been terrible because we all just want to get out and play,” said DeMarinis whose fourth-inning RBI single scored Danielle Petrus. “It felt amazing to get out on the field.”
DeMarinis said Dukes’ homer brought the Spartans to full attention.
“There was a little bit [of concern], but we all knew that we were OK,” DeMarinis said. “When we put our bats on the ball, we’re fine.”
The veteran-laden Spartans, who are hoping to qualify for their third straight regional, had 14 hits.
Trell was happy to be outdoors.
“It was wonderful,” Trell said. “The biggest thing for us is our inability to have [practiced] on any dirt all year. We’ve had two [outdoor] practices — everything else has been in the fitness center or the gym.”