AU Softball: Haylie McCleney makes big leaps in Week 2

Dejah Mulipola took control of the Athletes Unlimited Softball leaderboard in Week 2, while Haylie McCleney and Amanda Chidester each made big leaps into the top four.

McCleney made the largest leap of the week, rocketing up 35 spots on the leaderboard to second behind Mulipola, who rose two spots to take the lead. Chidester, who is in her final season of professional softball, rose 29 spots to the fourth position after her own big weekend.

Mulipola sits tied for second in hits, with nine through 18 at bats. Hannah Flippen and Bubba Nickles lead all players with 10 hits apiece. Nickles leads the league in RBIs with 10, while Chidester and Mulipola are right behind her with nine.

Carrie Eberle remains one of the league’s best pitchers, having a 2.94 ERA through 16 innings pitched. However defending Athletes Unlimited champion Aleshia Ocasio is hot on her heels with a 3.11 ERA through 18 innings pitched.

AUX champion Danielle O’Toole has been strong in the circle as well with a 2.92 ERA through 12 innings pitched. Alyssa Denham, also through 12 innings, has a 2.69 ERA.

Erika Piancastelli hit the season’s first grand slam during Team Mulipola’s 13-8 win over Team Harshman, earning her MVP 1 for Game 11.

“The bat I had prior to that, I just missed it. So I was like, oh I just want to make some good contact and I finally did,” said Piancastelli postgame. “Trusting the process…I finally hit one out.”

Aliyah Andrews had the defensive play of the week, laying out for a hit during Saturday’s slate of games.

Final Scores: 

Friday, August 5:

• Team Mulipola 6, Team Jaquish 4
• Team Eberle 5, Team Harshman 1

Saturday, August 6:

• Team Harshman 8, Team Jaquish 9
• Team Mulipola 8, Team Eberle 2

Sunday, August 7:

• Team Harshman 8, Team Mulipola 13
• Team Jaquish 6, Team Eberle 3