RUMFORD – The Mountain Valley softball team is still trying to find a bit of balance this season, and Jay took full advantage of the situation, scoring early and pulling away, earning a 14-2 victory over the Falcons on Friday.

Junior Alexa Smith was in control, striking out nine batters and allowing five hits in six innings of work. At one point, the Tigers’ ace fanned five of six, including Chrissy Briggs, McKenzie Paterson and Lindsay Gallant in the third inning.

Class C Jay (6-1) pounded out 10 hits, highlighted by Netta Shank’s three-RBI triple and a two-RBI double by Smith. The first four batters in the lineup scored 10 runs, led by three runs each from Brittany DiPompo and Betsy Gemelli.

“We hit the ball well,” Jay coach Robin Roberts said. “But after the Telstar game was over the girls forgot about it. They proved that they can play with them. Now, it’s just one game at a time.”

Class B Mountain Valley (2-4) dug itself a hole right away as Gallant struggled to find the plate. Several defensive lapses led to Jay scoring 10 runs in three innings. The Falcons, who have played the top four teams in the MVC, refused to give up and were effective in the latter stages.

“You cant afford to give a good team like Jay runs,” Mountain Valley coach Brian Mills said. “That’s the worst game we’ve played defensively this season. Even though we lost big against Georges Valley, I felt our defense was better.”

Jay sealed the deal after erupting for five runs in the third to lead 10-0. With one out, Alexi Deering reached on an error, DiPompo walked and Emily Boivin hit an RBI-single. Gemelli walked to load the bases and Shank’s smash cleared the bases. Falcon reliever Hillary Dolloff was greeted with a Liz Leblanc RBI-double.

“We had been feasting on the fastball,” Roberts said. “That was a good move by him to bring her in. (Dolloff’s) slow pitches kept us off balance and we didn’t hit the ball well the rest of the game. This team has come together following our trip to Florida, Alexa Smith faced some good competition and the team bonded as a group.”

Mountain Valley broke through with two runs in the fifth. Vanessa Cayer and Briggs each walked and pinch-hitter Taylor Welch hit a bloop single to load the bases. Gallant and Megan Maifeld (two hits) each delivered RBI-singles. Shelby Moore had a double and threw out three runners at home.

“Three starters are in Canada on a class trip,” Mills said. “That’s the first time Chrissy Briggs has ever caught a game. Hillary warmed up and might have started, but (assistant coach) Gary (Dolloff) felt the defense might be nervous playing behind her with the slow pitching. In hindsight you just never know.”