The Harvey softball team came out swinging and never slowed down Monday, using a dominant early surge and steady responses to defeat visiting Orange, 14-4, in a Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division showdown.
The Red Raiders plated four runs in each of the first two innings and answered every Orange push to improve to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
“Jayla Holloway blasted a triple to centerfield on the first pitch of the game,” said Harvey head coach Betsy Hada. “Samantha Boykin scored her on a base hit. Samantha also started the game, striking out the side in the first inning. She ended the game the way she started it, striking out the last batter.”
Fast start fuels Red Raiders
Harvey set the tone immediately, turning Holloway’s leadoff triple into the first of four runs in the opening inning. The Red Raiders followed with another four-run frame in the second, quickly building a commanding lead.
That aggressive start allowed Harvey to control the pace and keep pressure on Orange from the outset.
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Answering every Orange push
The Orange softball team found a spark in the third inning, scoring three runs to cut into the deficit, and added another in the fourth. But each time the Lions made a move, Harvey had an answer.
The Red Raiders responded with two runs in the bottom of the third, then delivered a four-run fourth inning to put the game out of reach and close the door.
“This was a big win for us and puts us at 2–1 in conference play,” said Hada. “I’m really proud of this group. They come ready to compete every day and truly leave it all on the field.”
Robertson sets the tone at the plate
Harvey’s offense was fueled by consistent production throughout the lineup, led by Payton Robertson.
“We had some great performances at the plate today,” said Hads. “Payton Robertson really set the tone for us. She was consistent all game, putting together three hits and finding ways to get on base and score.”
Robertson finished 3-for-4 with four runs scored and an RBI, igniting multiple rallies.
Giselle Moreno delivered one of the game’s key swings, ripping a double down the left field line to drive in a run and extend the lead.
“And then Giselle Moreno came up with a big swing for us, driving a double down the left field line to bring in another run,” said Hada. “That was a key moment that helped put us in a position to finish it early against Orange.”
Boykin dominates in the circle
Boykin controlled the game from the circle while contributing at the plate.
She went 2-for-4 with three runs, two RBIs, and a double offensively, and earned the win by allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out 10 over five innings.
From her opening strikeouts to her final out, Boykin set the tone defensively and helped Harvey maintain control throughout.
Top Players
- Payton Robertson (Harvey): 3-4, 4R, RBI
- Samantha Boykin (Harvey): 2-4, 3R, 2 RBI, 2B; 5 IP, 10 K (W)
- Giselle Moreno (Harvey): 2-3, 2R, 2 RBI, 2B
- Jayla Holloway (Harvey): 1-3, 3R, 3B, BB
- Vicky Lopez Soto (Harvey): 1-2, 3 RBI, BB
- Isla Barajas (Harvey): 2-4, RBI
- Kim Aguayo (Harvey): 1-3, R, RBI
- Halle Arnold (Orange): 1-2, R, 2 RBI, BB
- Kelsey Lewis (Orange): 1-2, R, BB
- Sarah Korland (Orange): 1-3, R, 2B
What’s next
Harvey heads right back on the road Tuesday with a non-conference matchup at Lakeside before returning to league play later in the week.
“We’ve got a quick turnaround with a non-conference game against Lakeside, and then we’re back into conference play on Wednesday,” said Hada. “We’re just focused on continuing to build and getting better each time out.”
