PUT IT IN PLAY — The Panthers’ Harlee Vokoun lays down a bunt at Legion Field. The Panthers ran their overall record to 9-6 by going 2-2 in recent action. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
Panthers’ overall record slips to 9-6
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
It was not a pretty game for the NRHEG softball team.
The results reflected it.
The Panthers committed five errors — three in the first inning on the first three batters — and went on to lose 7-5 to United South Central at Wells Monday afternoon.
“This was a sloppy game,” said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz, whose team fell to 6-4 in the Gopher Conference and 9-6 overall. “We are not going to win many games with five errors.”
The Panthers battled back with four runs in the second and, after USC took a 5-4 lead in the third, NRHEG tied it with a run in the sixth when Jade Schultz led off with a triple to the left center field gap and scored on a Tara Simon sacrifice fly. The Rebels won it with two in the seventh.
The Panthers’ designated hitter, Mandy Deml, continued her consistency, going 2-for-3. Schultz, Tara Simon, Morgan Staloch and Tori Raimann had NRHEG’s other hits.
Schultz pitched a complete game. She allowed no earned runs on five hits, with eight strikeouts and one walk.
“Her change-up kept the hitters off balance,” said Coach Schultz.
The Panthers hosted WEM Friday, May 13 and won 5-1.
Simon had a double and two RBIs.
“She has been a clutch hitter when we need her,” said Coach Schultz.
Also hitting safely were Raimann, Schultz and Kacie Phillips.
Schultz struck out nine and walked six, giving up one earned run on two hits.
“Jade pitched pretty well,” said Coach Schultz.
A day earlier, the Panthers lost 8-0 at Blooming Prairie. Deml had the lone hit for NRHEG.
“It’s hard to win a game with one hit,” said Coach Schultz. “We have to give credit to Blooming Prairie. They are a great team. They made some nice plays on defense and hit the ball well. Coach Mach always has her girls ready to play.”
Defensively, Harlee Vokoun had a great game at third base for the Panthers.
Schultz allowed seven hits, with four strikeouts and seven walks. Winning pitcher Erica Manske struck out eight and walked two.
The Panthers defeated JWP 10-5 at Legion Field Tuesday, May 10. The game was called after six innings because of lightning.
Simon had a stellar day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and six RBIs.
“She just ripped the ball,” said Coach Schultz.
Vokoun was also 4-for-4 and scored three runs. Steph Root went 3-for-4, Schultz 2-for-4, Deml 2-for-3. Raimann doubled, Phillips singled.
Schultz struck out 13 and walked seven. She allowed three earned runs on three hits.
The Panthers hosted Byron Tuesday, May 17. They host Blooming Prairie May 19.
