Olsen Homer, Bascom Double Rally Horde to Title Game

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By Keith Harrington

Patience is a virtue. Everyone is familiar with the popular saying. There is no better example of the age-old adage than the Granville softball team. The Golden Horde has a group of seniors who have had to navigate COVID-19 and a pair of dominant teams in Whitehall and Lake George. Now, it may finally be Granville’s time. 

Granville rallied from a three-run deficit late to overcome Whitehall 4-3 in the Adirondack League Tournament semifinals Thursday at the Ken Burch Complex. 

The No. 2 Golden Horde are scheduled to meet top-seeded Salem Friday at 4:30 pm at Moreau Rec. for the league championship. The Generals won the regular season meeting 8-4.  Whitehall we’ll meet Argyle in the consolation game also at Moreau Rec. at 4:30 pm.

Granville pitcher Lauren Bascom recorded her 400th career strikeout during the game. 

“I was a little nervous, but I’m super excited I was able to get it at home,” Bascom said after the game. 

For five innings it appeared as though Granville might be destined for yet another trip to the consolation game. The Railroaders plated a run in the top of the third and another in the fourth to take a 3-0. 

Olivia Gordon led off the third with a single and came around to score after a Granville error on a Mia Waters bunt. In the fourth, consecutive base hits from Gordon and Emily Lyng made it 3-0 Whitehall. 

The Golden Horde received a much-needed spark in the bottom of the fourth. Melissa Beaver walked to begin the inning. Cecil Velez reached base on a fielder’s choice. Then Ella Olsen blasted a two-run homer over the left field fence to cut the deficit to 3-2. 

“We were down and we needed to get that run in. Our whole team was just hyped,” Olsen said. “The first pitch, it just happened.” 

In the bottom of the sixth Beaver again drew a walk and stole a base. A single by Olsen scored Beaver. Bascom then connected on an RBI double to plate Olsen to give the Golden Horde a 4-3 lead. 

“I was timing up well on my first couple of fouls and I just knew I had to do it for my team,” Bascom said. “I’m excited to play tomorrow.” 

Khloe Paddock singled for Whitehall to lead off the seventh, but Bascom retired the next three batters to close out the victory. 

Bascom earned the pitching win, scattering seven hits and striking out six. 

Olsen finished 2 for 3 with three RBIs for Granville. 

Marissa Eggleston doubled for the Railroaders. Gordon was 2 for 2. 

Paddock pitched well, tossing a four-hitter with 10 Ks. 

Olsen feels that cutting down on the errors that hindered them in the previous Salem meeting will be a major factor. 

“They’re going to be a tough team, but I feel if we keep playing like we are and minimize the errors in the field I think we’ll do great,” Olsen said. 

Bascom could not be more thrilled to pitch in the ADK title game. 

“Me and Haylie (Barber) have been working for this since we were freshmen, so it’s such a huge accomplishment,” Bascom concluded. “I’m sure tomorrow’s going to be a good one.” 

Granville is now 11-3. Whitehall is 8-6.