Junior’s grand slam propels Westhill softball in shutout win over East Syracuse Minoa (50 photos)

Westhill coach Christina Quijano described junior Cadence Ramsing as a power hitter but said she doesn’t force it in at-bats.

Ramsing’s efficient hitting was the highlight of an 8-run third inning against East Syracuse Minoa on Saturday. The junior hit a grand slam that helped propel Westhill to a 15-0 win in five innings against ESM.

“(Ramsing) ripped one to the opposite field,” Quijano said. “She always has good at-bats.”

Ramsing’s big hit was part of a balanced effort in Westhill’s batting order on Saturday. It led to Westhill getting runners on base, leading to many scoring opportunities. Quijano said she has preached that since the start of the season.

Morgan Kohanski had two singles, a run batted in, a run scored and a walk for Westhill. Sydney Medeiros finished with a double, two RBIs and a walk. Catherine Cottrell singled, walked, scored two runs and drove in one. Alexa Korrie chipped in an RBI, three runs scored, a single and a double. Samantha Snyder finished with a double, an RBI, two runs scored and a walk. Morgan Kohanski singled twice, knocked in a run and scored. Isabella Johnson contributed two singles, an RBI, two runs scored and a walk.

“I’m very pleased with the effort at the plate today,” Quijano said. “They didn’t chase bad pitches and had efficient at-bats.”

Westhill’s bats complemented Snyder’s performance in the circle. Going the distance in the shutout, she allowed just three hits and three walks and struck out five.

Quijano said Snyder, an ace for Westhill, is one of the most “polished pitchers” for a sophomore.

“Sam has been throwing to the fire. She shows no fear,” Quijano said. “She She’s just an incredible athlete. She’s surpassed expectations I’ve had of her.”

Snyder’s effort was also backed up by Westhill’s defense, which Quijano said had a “clean game” as a unit.

“Our program prides itself in having a good defense,” Quijano said. “Snyder puts the defense in situations to make plays and they deliver for her.”

Westhill, now 4-1 and led by a solid senior class, hosts Homer at 4:30 pm Tuesday. Following that game, Quijano will prepare his team for a “busy May” due to several rainouts and cancellations in April.

“They’re loose and joyful,” Quijano said. “You get a sense they’re playing softball for the sake of the sport. It’s good to be around.”

ESM (2-6) faces West Genesee on Monday at 4:30 pm

Westhill’s Cadence Ramsing watches her grand slam clear the right field fence vs. East Syracuse-Minoa softball at Westhill High School, Onondaga, NY, Saturday April 27, 2024. (Scott Schild | [email protected])

Westhill vs. East Syracuse-Minoa softball at Westhill High School, Onondaga, NY, Saturday April 27, 2024. (Scott Schild | [email protected])

Westhill’s Cadence Ramsing is congratulated after rounding thrid after hitting a grand slam vs. East Syracuse-Minoa softball at Westhill High School, Onondaga, NY, Saturday April 27, 2024. (Scott Schild | [email protected])

Westhill vs. East Syracuse-Minoa softball at Westhill High School, Onondaga, NY, Saturday April 27, 2024. (Scott Schild | [email protected])

Westhill’s Cadence Ramsing connects for a grand slam vs. East Syracuse-Minoa softball at Westhill High School, Onondaga, NY, Saturday April 27, 2024. (Scott Schild | [email protected])

Westhill vs. East Syracuse-Minoa softball at Westhill High School, Onondaga, NY, Saturday April 27, 2024. (Scott Schild | [email protected])