By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
You had to know it was only a matter of time before Jade Schultz would find the strike zone on a consistent basis.
The NRHEG freshman, who had bouts of wildness in her first two seasons pitching for the varsity, was on target as the Panthers opened the softball season with a pair of impressive wins last week. Schultz combined for 25 strikeouts and seven walks as NRHEG blanked Blue Earth Area 2-0 at Legion Field Tuesday and drilled Medford 10-0 at Ellendale Thursday.
Schultz threw a three-hit shutout at BEA. Sophomore Tara Simon had what coach Wendy Schultz called a spectacular game behind the plate, throwing out two baserunners.
Steph Root, a sophomore, had a standout game at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three doubles and a run scored. Tori Raimann was 1-for-3 with a run and two stolen bases.
"It was a great team win," said Coach Schultz. "Steph had an excellent day hitting and Jade pitched well. I was very happy with the way the team played."
Schultz allowed only one hit in a six-inning win over Medford.
Harlee Vokoun, a junior, led the offense. She was 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs and one run driven in. Raimann went 2-for-2, stole five bases and scored four runs. Simon was 2-for-3. Shelby Mogenson and Root had the other hits. Kacie Phillips and Morgan Staloch each scored a run.
"It was another good team win," said Coach Schultz. "Our two leadoff batters hit well, going 5-for-6 with a combination of eight stolen bases. Jade pitched fairly well. Steph made a great catch in right field and threw the runner out at first for a double play."
The Panthers faced Randolph on Monday and Waseca Tuesday. They’re scheduled to host Maple River Thursday, April 14 at 5 p.m. The Panther Invitational is slated for Saturday starting at 9 a.m.
