INFIELD OUT — NRHEG third base player Kelli Harrington flips the ball to home for an out during recent action at Legion Field. The Panthers beat Blooming Prairie 3-0 Monday, April 23, improving to 7-1 overall. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
The NRHEG softball team did not generate a whole lot of offense Monday, April 23.
But not much was needed.
Sophomore Jade Schultz struck out 17 batters and walked only two, throwing a three-hitter as the Panthers shut out Blooming Prairie 3-0 at New Richland’s Legion Field.
The surprising Panthers improved their record to 3-1 in the Gopher Conference and 7-1 overall.
Schultz not only dominated on the mound, she led the NRHEG offense going 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and one run scored. Senior Anna Schlaak also doubled and scored.
Blooming Prairie pitcher Shelbi Swenson gave up one earned run on three hits, with six strikeouts and two walks.
“Jade pitched very well,” said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz. “Hannah Lundberg continues to do well behind the plate. Not much gets past her. It was a good team win.”
The Panthers handled Maple River 4-1 Friday.
Schultz tossed a five-hitter, strikeout out eight and walking two.
Tara Simon was 2-for-4 with one RBI. Schultz and Schlaak each had a hit and drove in a run. Tori Raimann was 1-for-2 with a run. Hannah Lundberg stole three bases and scored once. Stormi Hagen also scored a run.
The Panthers totaled five hits, striking out six times and walking three.
“Great defense and pitching was the name of the game tonight,” said Coach Schultz. “Defensively we committed one error. Anna Schlaak played very well at first base, digging a couple tough throws out of the dirt. Tori Raimann and Tara Simon handled a lot of hard hit balls at shortstop and third base, respectively. Kelli Harrington also made a great catch in right field. Hannah Lundberg continues to work hard behind the plate. She keeps the runners honest. She threw another runner out tonight. She also made a great diving catch. The whole team worked together and played well.”