Hazelton’s 13-Strikeout Gem Fuels Mid Valley Comeback Win Over Lake-Lehman
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | May 29, 2025 | Photo courtesy Bradley Dieffenbacher
Mid Valley 6, Lake-Lehman 4 | Wednesday, May 28 | Wilkes University
In a thrilling postseason matchup that saw both teams trade momentum swings, it was Mid Valley’s ace Ava Hazelton who stole the show. The right-hander powered the Spartanettes past Lake-Lehman, 6-4, tossing a complete game with 13 strikeouts, five hits allowed, and eight walks over 132 pitches.
Photographer: @Bradley Dieffenbacher
Lake-Lehman pounced early, plating three runs in the first inning. Hannah Chipego ignited the rally with a solo shot to center, and Alexis Shotwell followed up later in the inning with a two-RBI single to build a 3-0 advantage. But Mid Valley’s grit showed late.
Trailing 4-2 entering the top of the sixth, Mid Valley surged ahead behind clutch hitting and a costly defensive miscue by Lake-Lehman. Krista Cortazar led the rally with a triple down the right-field line that scored a run. Natalie Hricenak followed with an infield RBI single, and a defensive error allowed another run to cross, giving Mid Valley a 6-4 lead they would not relinquish.
Cortazar delivered a big game at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, and 2 RBIs. She also tallied 5 total bases and struck out twice. Elise Larson added a 2-for-4 performance with a double and 2 RBIs. Audrey Hasenzahl also collected two hits in the win, while Hricenak went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
Hazelton’s presence in the circle was dominant despite the early trouble, fanning 13 batters and navigating eight walks while facing 34 hitters. She threw 85 strikes on 132 pitches.
For Lake-Lehman, Chipego matched Hazelton pitch for pitch through much of the game. She also went the distance, striking out 11 and allowing eight hits, six runs (five earned), and three walks across seven innings. Chipego also contributed at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a walk, a homer, and an RBI.
Shotwell went 1-for-3 with a walk and 2 RBIs, while Brudnicki and Wallace each recorded a hit. Kirsten Finarelli showcased great plate discipline, drawing four walks and swiping a base.
Lake-Lehman outscored Mid Valley 4-2 in the early innings, but a scoreless final two frames sealed their fate as the Spartanettes advance.
Top Performers – Stat Breakdown:
Mid Valley Spartanettes
Ava Hazelton: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 8 BB, 13 K (132 pitches, 85 strikes)
Krista Cortazar: 2-for-4, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, 5 TB
Elise Larson: 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Natalie Hricenak: 1-for-3, RBI, R
Audrey Hasenzahl: 2-for-3, R
A Mackey: 1-for-3, R
M Adolfson: 2 BB, SB, R
Lake-Lehman Knights
Hannah Chipego: 7.0 IP, 8 H, 6 R (5 ER), 3 BB, 11 K | 1-for-3, HR, RBI
Alexis Shotwell: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB
Kirsten Finarelli: 0-for-0, 4 BB, SB
Hayley Wallace: 1-for-4
Kaitlyn Brudnicki: 1-for-3, RBI
Brooke Reilly: 1-for-2, BB
Final Scoreline:
Mid Valley: 6 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
Lake-Lehman: 4 runs, 5 hits, 2 errors
Photographer: @Bradley Dieffenbacher
