NRHEG Sports (656)
The latest game results and prognostications for NRHEG.{jcomments on}
St. Peter no-hits softball Panthers in sub-section
Written by Jim LutgensBy JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG softball team ran into a buzz saw in the opening round of the sub-section tournament.
More specifically, the Panthers ran into Kami Smesmo.
Smesmo threw a no-hitter against the Panthers last Tuesday and ended NRHEG’s season 7-0 at St. Peter.
“Hats off to St. Peter’s softball team,” said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz. “They have a great senior pitcher who threw well.”
Smesmo struck out 15 and walked three while allowing no hits, improving her team’s record to 12-5.
SPRING STORM — The Southern Minnesota Storm won the MYAS Division III Spring Championships May 14-15, earning a berth in the national tournament in July. Front: Perry Peterson. Row two: Benji Lundberg, Wyatt Sickels, Jack Schultz, Oakley Baker, Tyler Raimann, Jason Jongbloedt, Sam Prigge and Jerret Utpadel. Back: coaches Darian Baker, Dave Lundbergand Tom Peterson. (Submitted photo)
Basketball team earns berth in national tourney
A group of local fifth and sixth-graders (also known as Southern Storm) have been competing in the Twin Cities metro area this spring playing AAU basketball. The team is off to a great start, going 12-1 in their first four tournaments.
During the weekend of May 14-15, the team competed for the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) Division III Spring Championships, also know as the “Quest for the Rings.” They played their best ball yet and after three victories, the Storm found their way into the championship game against a team called Southwest Slam, a squad comprised of boys from the Marshall/Willmar area. With a 59-53 victory over the Slam, the Storm assured themselves of getting the rings. Each player on the team will receive a Josten’s ring (much like a Super Bowl ring) that they can keep forever. Along with winning the Spring Championship, it also gave the team a berth to the National Championships held in late July in Greensboro, NC.
“The cool part about this whole thing is our team consists of kids from only NRHEG and to go play against traveling all-star metro teams that are hand-picked and beat those teams says a lot about the quality of basketball we are playing,” said coach Darian Baker.
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.
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG baseball team has not had the success it had hoped for this season.
The Panthers saw their losing skid reach seven of their last eight games with three recent losses. Their record through Monday was 3-7 in the Gopher Conference and 5-9 overall.
The Panthers traveled to Mankato May 5 and lost 2-0 to Loyola.
NRHEG starting pitcher Sam Lundberg deserved a better fate, according to coach Jeff Reese, throwing a three-hitter. He gave up one earned run, striking out six and walking six.
Mitch Akemann was 2-for-3 at the plate. Jake Staloch doubled.
“Offensively, we are definitely struggling,” said Reese. “We are making some baserunning and mental mistakes, which are correctable. Although the team and the coaches are frustrated, we are proud of how they keep working and staying enthused. Good things will happen when they stop pressing.”
The next game, May 12 at Blooming Prairie, looked like a good one for the Panthers as they took a 5-3 lead in the top of the sixth inning. Staloch delivered the key hit, a two-run home run. The Blossoms answered with one in the bottom of the sixth and two in the seventh to win it 6-5.
Golf teams third in Gopher Conference tournament
Written by Jim LutgensBy JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Sports teams speak of home field advantage. Being totally familiar with your home golf course usually leads to victory for your team. The United South Central Rebels used Oak View Golf Course to their advantage as both their boys and girls teams won the respective Gopher Conference championships Friday, May 13.
The Rebels boys finished with a 350 team total, 13 strokes ahead of runnerup Blooming Prairie and 18 ahead of NRHEG.
The USC girls amassed a 419 total for a seven-shot margin over Faribault BA. The Panthers were 24 back at 443.
Boys’ medalist was Aaron Forgaard (Faribault BA) with a 79 over the 18-hole layout. Panther seniors Aaron Patraw (88) and Matt Nafe (90) were the top performers for NRHEG. Both golfers were selected all-conference honorable mention. Jon Walstrom (94) and Spencer Hanna (96) also figured in the Panther total.
On the girls’ side, USC sophomore Ali Wood fired a 99 for the championship. The Panthers’ Brina Bergland had a 108, tying for seventh place. Michaela Hansen finished tied for ninth with a 109. Bergland was selected all-conference and Hansen received honorable mention. Lexi Wayne and Maddy Reed shot 113s to complete the team score.
The NRHEG girls’ track and field team finished fifth among 14 schools in the Section 2A True Team Meet at Maple River High School in Mapleton Tuesday, May 10.
Blue Earth Area won with 830.5 points, followed by USC/AC with 669, LeSueur-Henderson 664, LCWM/Nicollet 575.5, NRHEG 541.5.
“We were not unhappy with fifth place,” said Panthers coach Duey Ferber. “However, we expected to finish in the top four. Blue Earth is a powerhouse right now.”
Carlie Wagner, the Panthers’ freshman sensation, continued to impress, taking two firsts and two seconds. She won the 200 meters in 26.88 seconds and the high jump at 5 feet, 4 inches. She was second in the 100 in 12.62 and second in the 400 in 62.11.
NRHEG track boys 10th among 14 at True Team meet
Written by Jim LutgensThe times and marks for the NRHEG boys’ track and field team were acceptable.
The Panthers just couldn’t compete with Section 2A’s best.
The NRHEG boys finished 10th among 14 schools in the Section 2A True Team Meet at Maple River Tuesday, May 10.
“It was a rough night for the Panthers,” said NRHEG coach Duey Ferber. “Times were decent for us, but we had trouble competing with the big dogs.”
USC/AC won the meet, with LCWM/Nicollet second.
Senior Tony Wacholz was the Panthers’ top placewinner, tossing the discus 128 feet, 2 inches for fourth place. He was 10th in the shot put at 41-4.
The 4x100-meter relay team of Ross Chester, Geoff Ramaker, Brian Billing and Hunter Eustice took fifth in 48.03 seconds.
DRIVE TIME — The Panthers’ Sam Grothem watches a tee shot during last week’s victory over Blooming Prairie at Riverview Golf Course. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The best weather so far this spring was welcomed by the NRHEG Panther golf teams as both the boys and girls were victorious over the visiting Blossoms from Blooming Prairie Friday. The boys sneaked by 175-177, while the girls won handily 210-219.
BP’s Pat Jones was medalist on the boys side with a four-over-par 40. He was closely followed by Sam Grothem of NRHEG with a 41. Jon Walstrom (43,) Aaron Patraw (45) and Matt Nafe (46) rounded out the Panther scoring. Spencer Hanna (50) and Macoy Schwierjohann (51) comprised the balance of the varsity squad.
Michaela Hansen took advantage of the favorable weather and fired a season-best 47 for the Panther girls. Maddy Reed (52,) Hannah Moe (55) and Brina Bergland (56) contributed to the total team effort. Abbey Holland (60) and Jadyn Nelson (73) were fifth and sixth, respectively. The Blossoms’ Jeana Johnson led BP scoring with a 52.
“Michaela and Sam played awesome,” said coach Brad Root. “Everyone is doing better each match.”
The Panthers traveled to Blooming Prairie Tuesday, May 10 and on Friday, May 13, their road trip continues when they take on USC.
The NRHEG softball team ran its record to 7-4 overall and 5-2 in the Gopher Conference while splitting a pair of games at New Richland’s Legion Field last week. The Panthers defeated St. Clair 9-3 in a nonconference game Tuesday, May 3 and fell 8-0 to Mankato Loyola Thursday, May 5.
Freshman Jade Schultz led the Panthers against St. Clair, throwing a three-hitter while striking out 15 and going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs at the plate. Tara Simon was 3-for-4 with one RBI, Mandy Deml 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Harlee Vokoun, Tori Raimann and Kristina Cole had one hit each. Steph Root, Kacie Phillips and Morgan Staloch scored run run apiece.
“Our bats didn’t come alive until the fifth inning,” said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz, whose team finished with 11 hits.
“Every batter in our lineup scored at least once, so it was nice to see the whole team contribute,” added Coach Schultz.
The Panthers also played well defensively, committing only one error.
Girls' track team wins BP True Team Invitational
Written by Jim LutgensLed by freshman Carlie Wagner’s four first-place finishes, the NRHEG girls’ track and field team won the Blooming Prairie True Team Invitational Tuesday, May 3.
The Panthers totaled 779 points for the victory. Following: WEM 701.5, JWP 683, Blooming Prairie 641.5, Mankato Loyola 511, Medford 510, Faribault Academies 304.5 and Triton 275.5.
Wagner continued her fabulous freshman season, winning the 100 meters in 13.82 seconds, the 200 in 27.52, the 400 in 1:01.67 and the high jump at 5-2.
The Panthers had four other wins, by Anna Schlaak in the 100 hurdles (17.76), Jill Kalis in the discus (116-4), Amber Schmit in the shot put (33-11) and the 4x200 relay team of Danielle Krueger, Raelin Schue, Alearah Neumann and Taylar Tieskotter (1:56.63).
“This was a very fun meet for the girls,” said NRHEG coach Duey Ferber. “The weather was decent and we came away with a win. Carlie had another great night, Anna Schlaak looked very good in the hurdles and the 4x200 relay was very tough tonight.”
Other top-six places for NRHEG: Krueger, second, 400 and 800; Katharine Lewer, second, 3200; Kaylee Maxon, second, discus and fourth, shot put; 4x100, second (Abby Crabtree, Neumann, Paige Bolduan, Schue); Crabtree, third, 1600 and sixth, pole vault; Mikayla Lindell, third, shot put and fourth, discus; 4x400, third (Hailey Schuller, Abby Wacholz, Tieskotter, Jamie Ulrich); Schlaak, fourth, high jump and fifth, 200; Schuller, fourth, long jump and sixth, 300 hurdles; 4x800, fifth (Emily Habeck, Destinee Meyer, Lewer, Shantaya Olson); Katie Cole, fifth, 100 hurdles; Wacholz, fifth, high jump; Ulrich, fifth, triple jump; Ashley Garretson, sixth, 100 hurdles.
The Panthers ran Tuesday, May 10 at Maple River. They return to Blooming Prairie Tuesday, May 17 for the Gopher Conference meet.
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T.J. Schiltz appears to be peaking at the right time.
The ninth-grader led the NRHEG boys’ track and field team at the Blooming Prairie Invitational last Tuesday, winning the 1600 and 3200 meters.
“T.J. is really running well in the distances,” said NRHEG coach Duey Ferber.
Schiltz ran the 1600 in 4:52.51. His time in the 3200 was 10:33.04. He also ran the 300 hurdles and took fifth.
Tyler Holz had a first place in the pole vault, clearing 9 feet, 6 inches.
Tony Wacholz won the discus at 129-7. He was second in the shot put.
“Tony continues to throw well,” said Ferber.
Mankato Loyola won with 740.5 points. The Panthers were fourth with 568.5.
Other NRHEG top-six places: Evan Ferber, second, high jump and fourth, 300 hurdles; 4x200 relay, second (Ross Chester, Geoff Ramaker, Brian Billing, Hunter Eustice); Kyle Bayerkohler, third, 800 and sixth, 400; 4x100, third (Chester, Ramaker, Billing, Eustice); Chester, fifth, long jump; Tyler Crabtree, sixth, shot put; 4x800, sixth (Karter Sletten, Bayerkohler, Jade Waltz, Hans Frank).
The Panthers ran Tuesday, May 10 at Maple River. They return to Blooming Prairie Tuesday, May 17 for the Gopher Conference meet.
The NRHEG baseball team hosted Glenville-Emmons in a nonconference game Tuesday, May 3 and lost 7-1.
“We ran into a solid pitcher who held our bats in check,” said Panthers coach Jeff Reese, whose team fell to 4-6 overall. The Glenville-Emmons pitcher did not face more than four batters in an inning until the seventh.
Sam Lundberg was 2-for-3 with a double for NRHEG. Lucas Meyer doubled and drove in a run. Carter Tollefson and Eric Sorenson had one hit each.
Cody Kraay started on the mound and took the loss. In 4 2/3 innings, he allowed six earned runs on eight hits, striking out five and walking five. Tollefson went 2 1/3 innings, giving up one earned run on three hits, with no strikeouts and one walk.
“The players keep working and showing that they will never give up,” said Reese.
The Panthers played JWP Tuesday, May 10. They host LCWM Friday, May 13 and play at USC Monday, May 16.
Panthers hang on against BA, improve to 6-3 overall
Written by Jim Lutgens
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.
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG girls’ track and field team already knew United South Central/Alden-Conger was tough.
The Rebels showed them again anyway.
USC/AC topped an eight-team field at Mapleton last Thursday with 183.5 points, easily outpacing the second-place Panthers’ 103.
“The girls saw just how strong USC/AC can be,” said Panthers coach Duey Ferber. “They are going to be tough to beat at the conference meet.”
Rounding out the field: Minnesota Valley Lutheran 73, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial/Nicollet 58.5, Madelia-Truman 55, Maple River 48 and Mankato Loyola 36.