OBSERVER Photo by Lisa Monacelli Fredonia second baseman Sydney Bigelow fields a ground ball to start a double play in the first inning of Thursday’s game against Silver Creek in Fredonia. Fredonia defeated Silver Creek, 4-0.

OBSERVER Staff Report

Coming into the 2018 season, many wondered who would take the reigns for the Fredonia Lady ‘Billies in the circle after so many departures from last season’s team. Thursday, Maddy Marsh showed she’s plenty capable of matching up with anyone in the league when given her chance.

Marsh threw a complete game, three-hit shutout to give Fredonia the 4-0 win over Julia Hill and Silver Creek, in Thursday’s CCAA Division 1 West high school softball matchup at Fredonia High School.

Fredonia (5-1, 4-1) tallied four runs in the first four innings, despite only three hits on the day against the Silver Creek ace. The Lady ‘Billies capitalized on Silver Creek’s mistakes in a game where Fredonia just did not make many mistakes of its own.

“(Silver Creek) had a few mistakes in the outfield that cost them,” said Fredonia coach Jesse Beers. He added that most of Hill’s runs were unearned runs.

Fredonia made costly mistakes in Monday’s loss to Dunkirk, but Thursday, the Lady ‘Billies only committed one error on the day. Hannah Gullo had an RBI single, while Grace Mroczka and Cassie Essek had hits for Fredonia, as well.

But Thursday, it was all about Marsh on the mound.

Only a freshman, Marsh threw a complete game, three-hit shutout on Thursday, while striking out nine and not allowing a walk.

“She’s really coming into her own,” said Beers. “She has been hitting her spots well and had great command (on Thursday). … It was a great pitcher’s duel.”

Silver Creek isn’t out-dueled often, and Hill had a great day of her own. The Black Knights’ ace also threw a complete game, only allowing three hits and no walks, as well. Hill had three strikeouts. Offensively, Tessa Douglas had two hits, including a double, while Jade Bouvier had a hit of her own.

Fredonia is off until Monday, when the Lady ‘Billies take on Maple Grove.