Wendy Schultz coaches final game
By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The season did not end as hoped for the NRHEG High School softball team.
But, as with most teams, it never does.
The Panthers, in their 25th and final season under head coach Wendy Schultz, made an early exit from the sub-section tournament last Tuesday, dropping their opening round game 5-4 against Medford.
"We definitely ad our changes to win this game," said Coach Schultz. The Panthers scored first, plating single runs in the second and third inning and tacking on two more in the fourth for a 4-0 lead. But the Tigers responded with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. They won it with three runs in the fifth.
The Panthers, meanwhile, missed some opportunities.
"Many innings, we left runners in scoring position," said Schultz. "We just couldn't string any hits together."
Faith Nielsen led the Panthers at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Bree Ihrke was 2-for-3 with a double a run and an RBI. Camryn VanMaldeghem tripled and scored. Heather Schultz, Addy Stadheim and Isabel Stadheim also hit safely, with Heather Schultz scoring twice. Presley Nielsen had an RBI.
Faith Nielsen pitched for the Panthers, giving up two earned runs on 10 hits, with one strikeout and two walks.
The Panthers, 6-5 in the Gopher Conference, finished the season with an overall record of 9-8.
"You never want your season to end," said Coach Schultz. "But I'm so proud of how hard the girls worked both at practice and during games. They were a joy to coach. I wouldn't have wanted to end my coaching career with any other team."
Coach Schultz gave a shout-out to the Panthers' three seniors, her daughter Sidney Schultz, Ihrke and Trinity Smith Vulcan.
"We are going to miss their leadership skill, and all that they bring to the team" said Coach Schultz. "We know the rest of the girls will work hard during the offseason and be ready to have a successful season next year."