By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter
This past Thursday saw Hatchet varsity softball beat Lakeland with a final score of 14-1. It only took six hits to accumulate those 14 runs all while committing just one error.
The Hatchets set the tone of the game right away in the first inning with 11 runs. They put up another run in the third and two more in the fourth. Lakeland would get their one and only run in the fifth before the game was called.
It was a very evenly-distributed effort at the plate. Top players include Alex Bellile (3R, 1H, 2BB), Katy Volz (2R, 1H, 4RBI), Rachel Dallman (2H, 2BB, 1RBI), Brianna Oenning (1R, 1H, 3BB), Taylor Shilts (1R, 1H, 2RBI), Danielle Kurth (1R, 1H, 2BB, 1RBI) and Courtney Theiler (1R, 1H, 1BB, 2RBI).
Dallman pitched four terrific innings, striking out eight, walking none and allowing no hits or runs. Theiler pitched one inning, striking out one, walking one, allowing one hit and one earned run.
“This was a nice GNC win for the Hatchets,” comments head coach John Larson. “Dallman and Theiler combined for a 1-hitter. Offensively, the Hatchets jumped out to a big lead in the first inning. For the game we combined big hits with patience at the plate to draw 10 walks leading to a 14-run game.”
“Defensively, we were very solid. Getting off to a quick start like we did really put our opponent’s back against the wall. After the first inning we did what we needed to do to get the job done. Dallman continues to get better each game. She alone can keep us in every game if her level of play on the mound continues to elevate.”
Loss to Medford
The lady Hatchets were not able to replicate their success against Medford the following day. On Friday the Hatchets lost to Medford 3-0, managing just one hit and committing six errors.
The first three innings saw no runs with both teams keeping each other in check. Medford got their first run at the bottom of the fourth and added two more in the fifth. Tomahawk would not be able get any runs to even the score; only Danielle Kurth would make any offensive impact with one hit.
Still, Dallman pitched a great game, striking out seven, walking none, allowing six hits and zero earned runs.
“This was a tough loss on the road for the Hatchets,” adds Larson. “Dallman had another solid performance, unfortunately the Hatchets struggled in the phases of the game. Offensively, we only mustered one hit. It’s tough to win games with a goose egg on the scoreboard. We need to be more aggressive at the plate and learn how to adjust to the pitching from game to game.”
Defensively, we had six errors and these errors lead to all three of Medford’s runs. Bottom line is we are a very good softball team that needs to play at a consistent level. We have to bring great focus, intensity and enthusiasm to each game every week. Until we do that it we will be on a roller coaster ride.”
Hatchet varsity softball will have their next game on Thursday at 5 p.m. against Rhinelander at home.