Arbor View tops Clark in softball

Arbor View softball coach Hillary Eisen had one wish for her birthday on Thursday: a win.

One easily could tell that she got her wish by the cake and icing smeared all over her face and hair by her celebrating players after their game against Clark.

Berlin Panduro pitched a complete game and had six strikeouts to lead the Aggies to a 5-2 home victory over the Chargers.

“I was hoping they’d come through today, not just for me, but mostly for them,” Eisen said. “I’m happy about the victory today, but I’m not completely satisfied by the way we’re playing right now.”

Arbor View has veteran leadership with six seniors returning from last year’s team.

“I feel strong about our chances of making the playoffs,” Eisen said. “I still want to give as much playing time now to our younger players, especially before our league play begins.”

Arbor View’s senior leadership showed early when catcher Chelsea Venable drilled the first pitch she saw for a double off the fence in left-center field, scoring Tiffany Anderson to give the Aggies a 2-0 lead.

Venable, who admitted responsibility for her coach’s postgame cake-smearing, likes her team’s chances to make the playoffs.

“So far, our team chemistry this year is a lot better than it’s ever been,” Venable said. “We have a lot of good players this year, and I think we’ll be pretty good. My only goal is to make it to regionals this year.”

Arbor View’s Nichole Diaz singled to left field to lead off the bottom of the third inning. Anderson followed with a single, and Diaz advanced to third on a throwing error. Venable then drove in Diaz on another outfield error, giving the Aggies a 3-0 lead.

“She is definitely a big-time player and a strong leader for her teammates,” Eisen said of Venable.

Arbor View’s Amanda Jones, who was 2-for-3, singled to left field to start a two-out rally in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Danielle Nolan, who was 2-for-4 with two runs and two stolen bases, hit a single to center field that pushed Jones to second base.
Diaz, who was 2-for-3, doubled to left field to score Jones and Nolan, making it 5-0.

The Chargers managed three singles against Panduro. Clark took advantage of a throwing error to score two runs in the top of the seventh.

Anderson was 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Aggies.