GLOVING IT — NRHEG pitcher Jade Schultz hangs onto a pop fly during a recent game at Legion Field. The Panthers held off Bethlehem Academy 9-7 Monday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The weather was not conducive to softball Monday afternoon.
The NRHEG Panthers got the job done anyway.
Playing in conditions that head coach Wendy Schultz described as “absolutely brutal,” the NRHEG girls held off Bethlehem Academy 9-7 at New Richland’s Legion Field.
“This is a game you’re just glad that you win and avoid injuries,” said Coach Schultz. “Our girls really kept a great attitude in light of the tough conditions.”
In a game that saw the teams combine for 12 hits and 18 walks, every out was made from the pitcher, second base and first base.
“Defensively, we played well, committing no errors,” said Schultz.
The Panthers took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, breaking it open with five in the second and two in the fourth. They held on as BA scored twice in the fifth and three times in the top of the seventh.
The coach’s daughter, freshman Jade Schultz, led the Panthers at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, a stolen base and a run scored. Junior Harlee Vokoun was 2-for-4 and scored twice. Tori Raimann had one hit, scored three times and stole two bases. Kristina Cole and Mandy Deml had one hit apiece. Tara Simon had two RBIs.
On the mound, Schultz allowed three earned runs on four hits, with 15 strikeouts and 13 walks. Two BA pitchers combined tor five strikeouts and five walks.
The Panthers played at Elysian last Friday and defeated Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 3-2.
“This was not our best game of the season,” said Coach Schultz. “We really struggled at the plate. Defensively, we played O.K. committing only one error.”
Jade Schultz was 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBIs and two stolen bases. Kacie Phillips had a hit, a run and a stolen base. Shelby Mogenson scored twice.
“Other than that, out bats were pretty silent,” said Coach Schultz.
Phillips turned a nice double play at second base.
Schultz tossed a two-hitter at WEM, giving up one earned run. She struck out six and walked eight. WEM’s pitcher struck out 13 and walked one.
“Jade shined at the plate but struggled pitching,” said the coach.
The Panthers ran their record to 5-1 in the Gopher Conference and 6-3 overall. They played Tuesday at St. Clair and travel to Mankato Loyola Thursday, May 5. They host JWP Tuesday, May 10.
