By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter
With three games already in the books, the Hatchet varsity softball team now stands at 2-1 overall (0-0 in conference).
The Hatchets beat Marathon this past Wednesday, April 14th in a what was a close game until the top of the 7th. The Hatchet girls pulled an early lead with a run scored in the 1st inning. That score stayed constant until the 6th when another run was scored. Marathon also got a run in during the 6th but the top of the 7th saw the Hatchets score 3 runs with Marathon unable to match it. The final score was 5-2 with the Hatchets generating 9 hits and 2 errors.
“It was a very solid start for the Hatchets; tonight was a real confidence builder,” comments head coach John Larson. “Marathon has traditionally been a very tough team over the years, so we knew this would be a good opportunity early in the season. I also give our girls credit for their level of play with only three outside practices so far.”
Top hitters for Tomahawk include Rachel Dallman with 2 runs and 3 hits with a run scored, Mikhayla Kleich with 2 runs and 3 hits with an RBI and Katy Volz with 1 run and 3 hits and 2 RBI.
“Offensively, the Hatchets were lead by Rachel and Mikhayla,” adds Larson. “Our defense was also solid, we came up with timely hits, played small ball with confidence and Rachel Dallman had an excellent debut on the mound. Rachel scattered 6 hits, struck out 12 and walked just 2. She had good control and changed speeds well.”
The second game on the very next day saw the hatchets win in a similar fashion. Both teams scored a run in the 1st inning and scored more in the 2nd with Tomahawk scoring 2 and Hurley scoring 1. Hurley would get another run in the 4th and another in the 5th to gain a slight lead. It was short-lived, however, as Tomahawk would make 5 runs during the 5th to regain their lead. No other runs would be made, with the game officially ending at a score of 8-4 with Tomahawk getting 13 hits and just 1 error.
“Defensively, the Hatchets were very sharp,” adds Larson. “With only one miscue during the game. Rachel improved to 2-0 on the mound with another solid performance. She had 7 strikeouts (which raises her game total to 19) and just one walk.
Top Hatchet hitters include Rachel Dallman with 2 runs, 3 hits and 3 RBIs, Courtney Theiler with 3 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBIs and Holley Winker with 2 runs, 3 hits and 2 RBIs.
“Offensively is where the Hatchets were most impressive. Led by Rachel’s 3-run home-run in the 5th inning over the left-field fence.”
Lastly, the Hatchet’s game against Newman Catholic this past Monday (April 18th) turned out much differently than the first two.
Newman would gain an early lead by the end of the 2nd inning and further widen the gap in the 3rd until another Hatchet home run would tip the score in their favor. A run by Newman in the 6th would tie the game until the 8th when Newman would make one more big play that would allow them to win. The final score was 5-4 with 8 hits and 1 error.
“It was a really well-played game by both teams,” says Larson. “Newman would make just one extra big play than the Hatchets. Courtney Theiler pitched a solid game in her first start of the year.”
Rachel Dallman was the top hitter for the Hatchets with 1 run, 4 hits and an RBI.
“Defensively, the Hatchets were very solid with just one error for the game. Offensively, 8 out of the 9 Hatchets would collect a hit highlighted by Rachel Dallman’s 2nd home run of the season. In close games like these you have to take advantage of the offensive opportunities you get; we missed a couple of those opportunities. Games like these will help you down the road.”