Yesterday, the Spartans traveled to Massillon to go up against a very talented Perry program. Boardman came out to their slowest start of the season, managing only 1 hit in the first four innings. By the top of the 5th, the Spartans were down 3-0. Sophia LaCivita kicked off the inning with a lead-off single and gave Boardman their first run of the game thanks to an RBI single by Olivia LaCivita. Perry put a run on the board to put the Spartans back down by 3 heading into the 6th. Boardman scored one in the 6th as Maddie Dravecky tagged and scored off of a 1-out sac fly by Brooke Yoder. Perry responded yet again with a run of their own. The Spartans trailed 5-2 going into the final inning. Lilly Donatelli kicked off the inning with a hard-hit double to left. Perry racked up two quick outs before the Spartans came back around to the top of their lineup. 2-out clutch hits by Sophia Rivera, Cami Goske, Maddie Dravecky and Natalie Davis gave Boardman just enough to tie it up at 5. Gina Sferra single-handedly shut out the side with two strikeouts and a put-out to take it to extra innings. Both teams had a quiet 8th inning and the score remained 5-5 going into the 9th. Another clutch 2-out hit by Dravecky scored Gabby Goddard to give the Spartans their first lead of the evening. Perry tied it up before Boardman could get their first out. A 1-out sac fly to center gave Perry the walk-off 7-6 victory. Gina Sferra had a phenomenal pitching performance for the Spartans. Sferra pitched all 9 innings, struck out 9, walked none and was backed up by tremendous defense. Maddie Dravecky (3/5), Olivia LaCivita (2/3) and Lilly Donatelli (2/4) led Boardman’s offensive effort. This is the Spartans’ first loss of the season, putting them at 6-1. Boardman will look to get back on track as they host Crestview Saturday.