Late Lightning at Magis: Galella Walk-Off Stuns Mid Valley in Rainy Thriller
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | May 6, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Scranton, PA -- In a game soaked with pressure and rain, Holy Cross delivered the final strike.
Under the lights at the University of Scranton’s Magis Field, the Lady Crusaders rallied back from a 6-5 deficit to walk off Mid Valley in dramatic fashion, 7-6, behind a clutch two-out single by Jules Galella. With the bases loaded and the season’s momentum hanging in the balance, Galella laced a line drive into left, sending the dugout into a frenzy and handing Holy Cross a statement win.
And here’s the twist — it was her birthday.
“Player of the Game?” No doubt. Galella, who came through in the biggest moment of the night, earns Nina’s Bites Player of the Game honors after sealing it in style on her special day.
Holy Cross also got a major boost from Ava Schmidt, who not only launched a solo home run in the bottom of the 7th to tie the game, but also handled business in the circle. Schmidt went the full seven innings, allowing nine hits and six runs (two earned) while striking out eight and walking one to earn the win.
The Crusaders’ rally truly began in the bottom of the fourth, when Mia Galella homered to left field, tying the game at 1-1 and swinging momentum back in Holy Cross’s favor.
Mid Valley controlled the middle innings behind standout efforts from Mackenzie Adolfson (2-for-4, 2 RBIs, triple) and Abbey Mackey (2 hits, RBI). In the circle, Ava Hazelton kept Holy Cross in check for much of the game before the final frame — Hazelton went the distance, allowing six earned runs on six hits, while striking out nine and walking six in a hard-fought no-decision.
Adolfson’s two-run triple in the fifth appeared to swing things the Spartanettes’ way — until Schmidt’s solo shot and Galella’s game-winner flipped the script.
