Early offense, Cornwell’s pitching carry QND softball team to shutout victory in season opener

QUINCY — Brooke Boden’s ability to play either corner infield position or pitch gives the Quincy Notre Dame softball coaching staff some flexibility when it comes to setting a lineup.

If she hits the way she did Monday, the coaches will need to find a spot for her wherever it may be.

Boden, a sophomore who started at first base, delivered a two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the first inning and added a single up the middle in her next at-bat, propelling the Raiders to a 3-0 victory over Biggsville West Central in the season opener at the Backyard.

“Brooke comes up with a huge hit and it kind of relaxes everyone else at the plate,” said QND senior pitcher Eryn Cornwell, who singled two batters prior to Boden’s hit.

All it takes is a simple approach.

“I was just looking to hit the ball,” Boden said. “I was looking for one down the middle and give it a ride.”

Freshman Caitlin Bunte added an RBI single with two outs in the second inning for the 3-0 advantage.

“I think a few of us were nervous, but I think for the most part we were confident in ourselves and that really helped us,” Boden said. “It really gave us a boost to score those early runs. It gave us a lot of confidence.”

Coming off a state championship in girls basketball and spring break happening last week, the Raiders simply needed to play and get their feet under them.

“If we get quality at-bats throughout our lineup, we can be a strong team,” QND coach Eric Orne said. “That remains to be seen because it’s early. But it’s good to play. It’s a change of venue and let’s go.”

If the offense is backed by solid defense and dominant pitching, it will have time to develop.

Cornwell struck out 10, overwhelmed the Heat early and got into some tight situations later in the game due to walks. Each time, she and the Raiders wriggled free, including leaving the bases loaded in the fifth inning.

“It boosts our momentum,” Cornwell said of escaping jams. “We’re a team based on momentum. Once we get going, we keep going. If we can’t get going, it’s going to be a rough start for us.”

Still, walking batters and putting pressure on the defense is something Cornwell expects to avoid.

“I was getting mad because I was getting behind some of those hitters,” Cornwell said. 

It’s uncharacteristic for a hurler who has worked tirelessly to improve.

“She really has control of her changeup, which is going to be an asset,” Orne said. “It makes her more efficient. If we keep the pitch count down for her, that’s good for us.”