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Vale Vikings maul Panthers in non-league contest

Vale’s Demia Hardin tosses a pitch during a game against Parma Monday. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 20-4 non-league victory. (The Enterprise/Kristine de Leon).

VALE – The Vale High School softball team got one in the win column Monday after posting a 20-4 non-league win over Parma.

The win followed a Viking (1-3) loss to Payette 14-4 last Saturday.

In another non-league game March 14 against Ontario, the Vikings (1-3) couldn’t get their offense untracked and fell 11-2.

“We haven’t been able to string hits together. We’ve got to get our offense going,” said Vale coach Cirbi Morrison.

Against Homedale March 11, the Vikings suffered a 16-2 loss.

Vale (1-3) is scheduled to face Parma again Thursday in Parma.

In the Ontario game, the Tigers – off to an 2-0 start – got a solid performance from pitcher Lexi Navarrete to help them to the win.

“We were kind of in control the whole time,” Ontario coach Jeff Young said. “But they (Vale) are a good group.”

Against Fruitland March 15, Ontario was behind early but put together two solid innings – the fifth and sixth – to clinch the win.

“Fruitland hit us early. They got on Lexi’s fastball early,” said Young.

While Young said he was pleased with the Tigers’ performance in both contests, he said the schedule isn’t going to get any easier.

“We have some tough games coming up,” said Young.

Young was pleased with the team’s fast start.

“I will take it, especially considering how young we are,” said Young. “But we have some tough games coming up.”

The Tigers played Notus in a non-league game Tuesday, and face Homedale at Homedale Thursday. Ontario will go to Caldwell for a twin bill Saturday.

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