NRHEG Takes Third at Hayfield Tournament

NRHEG girls fastpitch softball had a great day at the Hayfield Tournament on Saturday with a pair of dominating wins and a one-run loss to a top-five ranked team. The Panthers ended up in third place and improved their overall record to 12-3.

The Panthers rolled by Lyle/Pacelli 15-0 in four innings to open the tournament. Sophie Stork tossed a one-hitter in the abbreviated game. Coach Wendy Schultz said, "Sophie pitched a great game allowing just one hit, which was a well-placed bunt. We didn't have to play much defense as Sophie struck out seven of the 12 batters."

Madison Knudson went 3-for-3 and scored three times. Ava Kyllo had three hits and stole a trio of bases. Paige Knudson had a triple and drove in three in the first game.

In the semifinals, the Panthers dropped a 7-6 game to No. 3A Carlton. Schultz indicated, "Carlton is a good team that is undefeated and ranked in the state. We definitely had our chances to win the game. Defensively we played well, but had some costly base running miscues."

The Panthers banged out 14 hits in the loss, led by Kyllo's 4-for-4 performance. Stork allowed eight hits and four walks and struck out three batters.

In the third place game, NRHEG beat Houston 11-1 in six innings. "Sarah Johns pitched well for us to win the game. She came in the last two innings and struck out five batters with no walks and didn't allow a hit." Stork pitched the first four innings.

"Ava Kyllo was very consistent at the plate going 11-for-12 on the day," said Schultz. Kyllo had her second straight 4-for-4 game. Sidney Schultz and Cloie Arndt had three hits apiece. Stork and Madison Knudson each had a double.

The Panthers play at Blooming Prairie Monday, May 13 to start the final week of the regular season.