By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter
Bluejay varsity softball completely decimated the Wausau East Lumberjacks last night with a final score of 22-1, bringing their regular season record to 2-1. The Bluejay girls scored an average of 7 runs per inning until mercy rule was called, officially ending the game early in the 4th. The Lumberjacks were only able to squeak out one run at the top of the 4th inning.
“I thought we put together quality at-bats for the most part and did a great job running the bases,” comments head coach Matt Ellenbecker. “That was definitely a bright spot. The team showed great instincts reading balls off of the bat last night and being smart, aggressive base runners early on. Molly Weix has been one who has stood out early for her work on the bases. It’s exciting that the weather looks to be turning and we’ll be able to get outside more and continue to work to improve on our game situations.”
Many of the Merrill athletes made incredible plays during the game, including Chelsey LaMonica with 6 RBI and 4 runs scored, Linsey Casper with 3 RBI, 3 runs scored and 3 walks, and Emily Travis with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.
“Chelsey LaMonica was a standout going 4-4 with a double, 4 runs scored and 6 RBI,” adds Matt. “Leonna Ives and Kelsie Belfiori each pitched in with a couple of extra-base hits apiece. Emily Travis and Lindsey Casper were both perfect at the plate on the day, as well. Emily in particular has been doing a very nice job at the plate for us early this year.”
Other top scorers include Maddix Bonnell with 3 runs scored and a walk, Madisen Weix with 3 runs, Kelsie Belfiori and Leonna Ives with 2 runs and an RBI, and Cassandra Casper and Payton Waldburger with 2 RBI and a run.
In addition to good hitting, good pitching also helped make quick work of East’s attempts to score runs, or even hits.
“Taylor Krueger cruised through 3 innings, setting down each of the 9 hitters she faced. Kelsie got her first taste of varsity action in the circle, as well, and held her own. It was a nice situation to get a young pitcher her first experience in a WVC game, and she handled it very well.”
Bluejay varsity softball is scheduled to play their next game this Thursday (April 14th) at 4:30 p.m. @ Wausau West.
Game stats provided by GameChanger.