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Crusaders Win the Heavyweight Battle, Take Down No 5 Mid Valley

Crusaders Win the Heavyweight Battle, Take Down No 5 Mid Valley

By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | May 7, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus

Holy Cross Varsity Crusaders defeated Mid Valley 5-2 on Thursday, largely thanks to a dominant pitching performance from Ava Schmidt. Schmidt carved through the Mid Valley lineup, recording 13 strikeouts over seven innings. She allowed just four hits and two runs while issuing two walks.

Offensively, Peyton Graboske led the way for Holy Cross, going three for three at the plate. Graboske hit a solo home run to center field in the fourth inning, doubled in the seventh, and singled in the fifth, showcasing her versatility.

Mid Valley got on the scoreboard first in the third inning when Julie Prisco hit a triple, driving in one run to take an early lead.

Holy Cross responded in the top of the fourth, tying the game at one with Peyton Graboske's solo home run. The Crusaders then took control in the fifth inning as Jules Galella launched a home run to center field, giving her team a 4-1 advantage.

Mid Valley attempted a comeback in the sixth inning when Ariana Davey hit a solo home run to left field, bringing the score to 4-2.

Ava Hazelton took the loss for Mid Valley. She pitched a complete game, allowing five runs on seven hits, striking out 11 batters, and walking seven.

Jules Galella was a key run producer for Holy Cross, leading the team with three runs batted in, going one for four on the day. Ava Schmidt also contributed at the plate, collecting two hits in four at bats. Holy Cross demonstrated patience throughout the game, drawing a total of seven walks, with McKinley Griffiths and Emily Fitzpatrick each earning two free passes.

For Mid Valley, Ariana Davey led the offense with one run batted in, finishing two for three at the plate. The Mid Valley defense played a clean game, not committing any errors, and turned one double play. Ariana Davey was busy behind the plate, handling 11 chances in the field.

Holy Cross Varsity Crusaders Top Performers:

Ava Schmidt: 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 1 SO

Peyton Graboske: 3 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 0 SO

Jules Galella: 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 3 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO

Claire Helring: 3 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SO

McKinley Griffiths: 2 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 2 BB, 1 SO

Mid Valley Top Performers:

Ariana Davey: 3 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, 0 BB, 0 SO

Julie Prisco: 3 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 0 BB, 1 SO

Addison Frein: 2 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 1 BB, 0 SO

Ava Hazelton: 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO

Abbey Mackey: 3 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO