May 7, 2015 3 min read

CANONSBURG – On paper, it was nothing more than a final tuneup before the WPIAL playoffs. On the field, it was much more for the Trinity and Canon-McMillan softball teams Thursday afternoon at North Strabane Intermediate School.

Because of a seventh-inning comeback, and a couple of unexpected home runs, Trinity defeated the Big Macs, 8-4.

The win is a big shot of confidence and momentum for the Hillers (14-4).

“This is a big momentum boost for us heading into the playoffs,” Trinity coach Shawn Gray said. “They are a great team. We appreciate the opportunity to get to play them. It is a big win for us.”

Trailing 4-3 entering the seventh inning, the Hillers didn’t waste any time tying it up with Kim Dunst’s first career home run to leadoff the inning. It was her third hit of the day to go along with two singles.

“That was a big, monster hit,” Gray said.

The Hillers scored the go-ahead run two batters later on an RBI double by Olivia Gray. It was the only hit of the game for the Pitt recruit. Gray would come around to score on the next play when Penn State recruit Delaney Elling blooped a double down the right-field line.

The Hillers tacked on two more insurance runs in the inning.

It was the Hillers who finished strong, but the Big Macs (12-3) are the ones who started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Big Macs took advantage of miscues by Trinity, scoring on a fielder’s choice and an error.

The lead held up until the top of the third inning when Hali Justice stepped to the plate. With two on and two out, Justice launched her first career home run over the left-field fence to give the Hillers a 3-2 lead.

“Kim and Hali came through for us when we needed it,” Shawn Gray said.

Paige Galantine pitched the Hillers to their third straight win heading into the Class AAA playoffs, allowing seven hits, four runs, three walks and striking out two.

“Paige pitched a great game,” Shawn Gray said. “She was hitting her locations and she knows what she has to do. She is trusting her defense when she needs to. They are a great offense.”

Both teams can now focus on the postseason. Trinity was given the No. 6 seed in Class AAA and will face No. 11 Central Valley Wednesday (2 p.m.) at Fairhaven Park.

“Don’t know them personally,” Shawn Gray said. “I know a couple of their players. We seem to match up with them very well and we are happy with where we are at. We have a great opportunity this year and the girls are hungry for it.”

Canon-McMillan, the Section 4 tri-champion, received the No. 7 seed in Class AAAA and will face Latrobe Tuesday (6 p.m.) at California University’s Lilley Field.