By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
Coming off a tough loss to Maple River the previous day, the NRHEG High School softball Panthers were looking for a more positive outcome against Tri-City United last Friday.
They got it.
The Panthers led from start to finish while winning 4-2 at New Richland's Legion Field.
"Coming off a close loss against Maple River yesterday, the girls came in strong and took advantage of mistakes by the defense early," said NRHEG coach Kaylie Camerer, who was particulary pleased with the Panthers' defense.
"Defensively, we bounced back and were able to get outs when we needed them," she said.
Camerer also praised the pitching of Faith Nielsen, who went the distance in the circle while allowing five hits and four walks.
"Faith pitched a great game with seven strikeouts and she produced routine groundouts," said Camerer.
Izley Boerner, who was 2-for-2, delivered a key two-run double late in the game to give the Panthers some insurance runs.
"That would prove to be the difference maker late in the game," said Camerer.
Faith Nielsen scored twice.
The Panthers kept it close at Maple River, where they committed five fielding errors while falling 3-2.
"We played a good game tonight," said Camerer. "We were able to string hits together and get movement on the basepaths."
The Panthers, who trailed 2-0 through four innings, tied it in the top of the fifth on a two-run double by Faith Nielsen.
The Eagles plated the winning run in the sixth.
The Panthers outhit Maple Rivr 9-5, led by Faith Nielsen who went 3-for-4. Preslie Nielsen had two hits. Izzy Stadheim, Erin Peterson, Payton Bunn and Addie Stadheim had one hit apiece.
Faith Nielsen allowed two earnmed runs, fanning two and walking one.
"Defensively, we had some uncharacteristic miscues early in the game that Maple River was able to take advantage of," said Camerer. "Then they got timely hits into the gaps to take the lead late."
On May 7, the Panthers hosted Kenyon-Wanamingo and totaled just two hits in a 5-1 setback, one each by Boerner and Izzy Stadheim.
Faith Nielsen yielded two earned runs on five hits, with four strikeouts and four walks.
"Coming off a long week of postponed games due to the weather, we started off solid defensively," said Camerer. "We were aware of the situations and made the right plays when we needed to. Our bats tonight struggled against a solid KW pitcher who hit her spots and kept our batters on our heels. We look to improve on going into each at-bat with a hitter's mentality and looking for base hits to spark our offense."