WWIB/WOGO Podcasts
WWIB/WOGO Podcasts
The Cardinals(16-11) exploded for 14 hits on their way to an 11-3 win over Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln(18-7). They came out red hot scoring four runs in the top of the first, three more in the fourth, and finished off their scoring with four more runs in the seventh.
Violet Mc Ilquham struck out nine and walked only two on her way to another complete game victory setting up Chi High's rematch at D.C. Everest for the Sectional Semi-final game.
On the road against the #1 seed, the Lady Macks (15-8, 8-4 Western Cloverbelt Conference) scored the game's opening run before the Tigers (18-8, 6-4 Marawood South Conference), plated three in the bottom of the first to regain the advantage.
After that, however, the home team would not score again, as McDonell pitched six straight shutout innings, clawing their way back to a tie game and eventually taking a lead that they would not relinquish on the way to a regional crown.
Senior Kendall Hepfler went 3-4 from her leadoff spot, scoring twice, while junior Keagan Winger, sophomore Claire Ruf, and sophomore Lizzy Leibrandt each collected two hits. Sophomore pitcher Kelsey Bremness pitched the complete game, striking out four, and didn't allow a run after the first inning.
The Cards(15-11) advanced to Thursday's Regional Final at Wisconsin Rapids thanks to the 12-strikeout pitching of Violet Mc Ilquham, a solid defense, and an offense that scored in all but one inning.
Lauren Shepherd's first inning double knocked in Georgia Romanowski with what proved to be the game-winning run. Ali Geist hit a solo homer over the leftfield fence in the 2nd and Roz Twyman doubled in her last two at bats showing the Cards are ready for the road test they face Thursday.
In their playoff debut, the Lady Macks (14-8, 8-4 Western Cloverbelt Conference) came out of the gate hot against Loyal/Greenwood (8-11, 6-5 Eastern Cloverbelt Conference), pushing across a total of 15 runs in the first two innings.
Though the visitors battled, McDonell proved too strong in the end, run-ruling their opponent in four innings and advancing to Thursday's Regional Final.
On her birthday, sophomore pitcher Kelsey Bremness did not allow a run and also crushed a big 2 RBI single, while senior Kiara Leinenkugel drove in two runs during a 3-3 day at the plate. Senior Kendall Hepfler reached base in all four of her plate appearances, notching two singles, drawing two walks, and scoring three times. Sophomore Claire Ruf hit a single, a double, and a triple and tallied 3 RBIs, while fellow sophomore Rylie Christianson also collected three hits.
