FORESTVILLE — The Forestville Lady Hornets softball team scored early and continued its success with multiple runs in every inning as the Lady Hornets defeated the Franklinville Lady Panthers, 18-9, on Thursday night in a Section VI, Class D softball quarterfinal game at Forestville High School.

“Despite the fact that Franklinville only won one game this season, this game was not going to be easy,” said Forestville coach Brianne Hazelton. “They have some great athletes and coaches with a lot of success in the past. Many of their games were close so I was pleased that we were able to play at this level.”

Clare Kingsfield started off the Lady Hornets great hitting with a single in the first. Later in the inning, Lillee Gould hit a home run that went into the parking lot.

The bottom of the order got the Lady Hornets rally started in the second inning. After Aspen VanArsdale walked, Nicole Tampio hit a double to put two runners in scoring position. Kingsfield took advantage and came through with a two run single, where she would eventually score on a single from Kaitlyn Alguire.

“It was a relief to be able to get off to a quick start,” Hazelton added. “All of the girls did a great job connecting with the ball and we were effective running the bases.”

Franklinville responded in the third inning, scoring four runs. After Arianna Wolfer reached on a passed ball from a strikeout, Abby Burrell recorded Franklinville’s first hit of the game with an RBI single. After an error and a free pass, Renee Szymanski came through with a two run single.

“We did not play our best game defensively,” Hazelton added. “We need to clean up our game moving forward because we won’t be able to get away with these mistakes that we were lucky to overcome today.”

Forestville would add two more runs in the third, highlighted by an RBI single from Tampio. The Hornets erupted for five runs in the fourth inning, taking advantage of multiple walks. Kingsfield had the big blast of the inning with a two-run triple.

Dani Haskell showed her talent and speed in the fifth inning as she thoroughly hit a two run home run. The Hornets would claim those two runs back in the bottom half of the inning. After Gould reached on a miscue, Rachael Goodrich connected with an RBI triple. Goodrich would make it home as Alexis Alguire contributed with her first hit of the game.

The Lady Panthers changed pitchers for the sixth inning, but the Hornets still added four insurance runs. Kingsfield and Dakota VanArsdale started off with consecutive doubles. Gould would connect for her second home run of the game. Goodrich and Alexis Alguire would both follow with consecutive RBI singles.

According to Hazelton, “We did a good job of adjusting to their new pitcher and continued to hit the same way against both pitchers.”

Forestville recorded 17 hits Thursday, which was its season high as the entire lineup made contributions. Kingsfield led the way with four hits including a triple and a double. Kaitlyn Alguire added three singles, while Goodrich chipped in with a triple, double, and a single. Gould, Tampio, and Alexis Alguire also had multiple hit games.

“We have been doing a good job with the bats,” Hazelton added. “The girls had a great plate appearance and executed. Once one hit, they all jumped on board. Hopefully we can continue to do well with our bats.”

Franklinville had five hits — four singles and a home run by Haskell.

Alguire earned the victory for the Lady Hornets, giving up nine runs from five hits while striking out 17.

“The conditions were not the best as it was windy, but everybody played well,” Hazelton said. “Kaitlyn pitched well and was in control with a season high seventeen strikeouts.”

Tarryn Herman gave a valiant effort in defeat while Tawnie Bowers gave one inning in relief.

Forestville hosts North Collins on Wednesday in a Class D semifinal game, a rematch of last year’s game.

“This is the same exact scenario as last year,” Hazelton exclaimed. “North Collins is a good team so hopefully we can improve and play a good game.”