MONTAGUE, Mass. – Avery Vale-Cruz struck out 17 and scored the winning run in the top of the sixth as the Wahconah softball earned a 1-0 win over Turners Falls in a rematch from their extra-innings battle earlier this week.

 

“Both pitchers did a great job in the circle,” Wahconah coach Dustin Belcher said. “We were able to find a way to push a run across in the sixth.

 

“It was a gutsy road win against a very good team.”

 

Vale-Cruz doubled to start the sixth inning and moved up on a sacrifice bunt by Taylar Hickey before scoring on an error.

 

In the bottom of the seventh, the Thunder put the first two batters on, but Vale-Cruz struck out the No. 3 and No. 4 hitter before getting the final out on a ground ball to Dani Barry at second.

 

Vale-Cruz went 2-for-2 with a walk at the plate. Emma Belcher had the only other hit for Wahconah.

 

Turners Falls got just one hit off Vale-Cruz.

 

Wahconah (11-1) hosts Westfield on Monday.