The scoreboard told one story, but the dugout told another.
After watching a comfortable lead disappear, the South softball team responded exactly how head coach Rusty Bliss challenged it—by doubling down.
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“I told the girls at that break in our huddle just stay with your game, keep hitting, and let’s go double this score,” Bliss said. “They did just that.”
South erupted for 10 runs over the final three innings to pull away from the Wickliffe Blue Devils for a 20-11 win, improving to 7-2 on the season while Wickliffe dropped to 4-5.
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The Rebels looked in control early, jumping out to a 9-0 lead through three innings and extending it to 10-3. But Wickliffe answered with an eight-run fourth inning, tying the game at 10 and forcing South to regroup.
That’s when the message—and the momentum—shifted.
South answered immediately with five runs in the fifth, four more in the sixth, and another in the seventh, overwhelming Wickliffe with a relentless offensive attack that produced 20 hits.
“We were up 10-3, and I put in a couple of defensive subs, and they learned the hard way how fast this game is,” Bliss said. “Wickliffe tied the game at 10, and we made the pitching change to Brynley.”
That change proved decisive.
Brynley Schneider came on in relief and shut the door, allowing just one run on two hits over 3 1/3 innings while striking out six to earn the win. She also starred at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three runs, a double, and a home run.
“Brynley came in today and did it on both sides of the ball,” Bliss said. “I just love watching these girls play this game because they’ve found a passion ever since the Kenston loss.”
South’s lineup was relentless from top to bottom.
Halle Zupancic led the charge with a 4-for-5 performance, scoring four times and driving in two. Ava Proctor added three hits, three runs, and three RBIs, while Makayla Schneider chipped in three hits and two RBIs.
The power came from the middle of the order, where Savannah Patton and Brynley Schneider each hit their first varsity home runs.
“Brynley and Savannah both had home runs that were no-doubters,” Bliss said.
At the top, Jenna Heil set the tone once again, reaching base twice, scoring two runs, and continuing to grow into her role as both leadoff hitter and field general behind the plate.
“Once again, our pitching rotation isn’t led by one pitcher but rather our sophomore catcher, Jenna Heil,” Bliss said. “She is comfortable enough to start calling games herself, and she’s done very well. I’m really impressed by and proud of how she’s performed. Jenna Heil is going to be something special when her career is over.”
Wickliffe didn’t go quietly.
The Blue Devils piled up 14 hits, led by Audrey Musgrave (3-for-5, two runs, double), Madelyne Prosuch (3-for-4), and Ava McGarry (two hits, two RBIs, double). Leigha Blazetic added two hits and three RBIs, while Sofia Bucar and Amanda Peklay each doubled in the effort.
But the offensive firepower from South proved too much, especially after regaining control late.
South returns home Monday to host Chardon, while Wickliffe looks to bounce back on the road at Berkshire.
Top Players
- Brynley Schneider (South): 3-3, 3R, 1RBI, 2B, HR; 3 1/3IP, 2H, 1R, 6K (W)
- Halle Zupancic (South): 4-5, 4R, 2RBI, 2B
- Ava Proctor (South): 3-5, 3R, 3RBI
- Savannah Patton (South): 1-2, 1R, 4RBI, HR; 3 2/3IP
- Audrey Musgrave (Wickliffe): 3-5, 2R, 1RBI, 2B
- Ava McGarry (Wickliffe): 2-4, 1R, 2RBI, 2B
