By Rob Potter
MONGAUP VALLEY — On Wednesday afternoon, the visiting Port Jervis Lady Raiders and Monticello Lady Panthers were able to play the first three innings of their Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) Division III softball game at Edward M. Collins Memorial Park.
Amid a chilly drizzle, Port Jervis held a 7-4 lead after the bottom of the third. At that moment, however, the umpires, coaches and Monticello school officials decided that for the safety of everyone involved, the game should be suspended. The game will be resumed in the top of the fourth inning at a time, date and location to be determined. However, the two teams are scheduled to play their other OCIAA Div. III game of the regular season at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at Port Jervis High School.
On Wednesday, the Lady Raiders took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Samantha Outwater scored on a single by Kathleen Kehlenbeck.
After another run scored on a wild pitch, Amber Butenhoff grounded out to second base. Tori Ostrom scored as the out was recorded at first base, giving Port a 3-0 advantage.
Kehlenbeck crossed the plate on a passed ball to make it a 4-0 game.
Monticello scored four runs in the bottom of the third.
With teammates Cassi Smithem, Sam McCreery and Shannon Reese on base, Caitlin Bonnaci belted a triple to deep left-center field. Smithem, McCreery and Reese all scored on the hit, cutting the Lady Raiders’ lead to 7-3.
Bonnaci crossed home plate moments later when Taylor Reardon grounded out, which brought Monticello within three runs at 7-4.
Since the game was suspended and will be continued later this spring, Monticello’s record remains 0-1 on the young season and Port Jervis has a 1-0 record.