LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — On Tuesday, April 22, the mercy rule ended a long afternoon for the home team in a non-conference varsity softball game between the Lady Wildcats of Livingston Manor-Roscoe and the visiting Chester Lady Hambletonians.

In the opening frame, Chester posted one run; in the third inning the team scored eight runs, and in the fifth and final frame, it sent seven swatters across the plate for a total of 16 runs. That invoked the mercy rule, heralding a close to the game as the Lady Hambletonians shut out the Lady Wildcats 16-0.

On the mound for the home team were Alexandra Potosek, who hurled for three innings, followed by Kelsey Ryder, who pitched the last two frames.

The winning pitcher was Carlie Cambria, who in her turn at bat swatted a solo homer for Chester.

Patrick Farley, first-year coach for the Lady Hambletonians, said the team’s goal this year is to make the playoffs, given that Chester posted a 16-4 record last season.

Nicholas Wyss is the Lady Wildcats’ (0-4) helmsman this year for a varsity squad that only has one senior, 17-year-old Michelle McKinley, a left fielder.

“We got five innings in, and in three of the five, we got some base runners on, but just couldn’t get any big hits,” he said. “In three of the five innings, we had solid defense, but for some reason, couldn’t get any runs in.”

After the game, McKinley stepped up to the plate to “meet the press” to give her take on the game of softball.

“It depends on where you are on the field; it’s a different perspective,” she said. “For me, it’s therapeutic, a way to get rid of some agitation, have a little bit of free will, and have a purpose.”

In addition to varsity softball, McKinley plays soccer (“I love it!”) and has played a bit of hoops. Of that she said, “It’s not for me, but all right.”