Hit Parade

WORDS OF WISCOM — NRHEG softball coach Wendy Schultz addresses the NRHEG softball team after its season-opening, five-inning 13-0 loss to No. 1 ranked Randolph Monday,, April 17 at Legion Field. Below left, Faith Nielsen delivers a pitch. Below right, Erin Peterson bunts. Whatever Coach Schultz said must have worked. The Panthers bounced back to win 19-1 in five innings at Triton on Friday. Photos by Judy Tweeten

By JIM LUTGENS

Sports Editor

For the NRHEG High School softball team, it was the exact opposite of the season opener.

The Panthers, who were soundly subdued by the state's top-ranked team earlier in the week, bounced back with a one-sided 19-1, five-inning victory over Triton at Dodge Center Friday, April 14.

"This was a great team win," said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz.

The Panthers were proficient both pitching and hitting the ball.

Faith Neilsen provided the pitching, yielding no earned runs on two hits through five innings. She struck out six and walked two.

"Faith pitched well," said Coach Schultz.

The Panthers batted .500 as a team.

Isabel Stadheim went 3-for-4, scoring twice and stealing two bases. Sidney Schultz was 3-5 with three runs scored. Aryanna Howe was 2-4 with a triple, three runs and four RBIs, Paige Nielsen 2-3 with three runs and three RBIs, Addy Stadheim 2-4 with two runs and two RBIs, Bree Ihrke 2-4 with two runs, Faith Neilsen 2-5 with two runs and two RBIs. Camryn VanMaldeghem and Hallie Schultz had one hit each.

"The girls hit the ball very well," said Coach Schultz. "Addy Stadheim continues to be tough behind the plate."

The Panthers hosted the state's No. 1 ranked team, Randolph, on Monday, April 17 and lost 13-0 at Legion Field in New Richland.

"We got throw into the fire to start the season," said Coach Schultz. "Randolph is ranked No. 1 in the state for a reason."

One of the main reasons is pitcher Carter Raymond, who allowed only two hits while striking out 10 and walking none.

"They have a dominant pitcher and catcher duo," said Schultz.

Sidney Schultz started in the circle for the Panthers, giving up two earned runs on one hit and six walks in 2 1/3 innings. She had one strikeout. Faith Neilsen went the final 2 2/3 for NRHEG, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits and five walks, with one strikeout.

Paige Nielsen and Isabel Stadheim had the Panthers' lone hits.

"There isn't a weak spot in Randolph's lineup," said Coach Schultz. "We struggled a bit trying to find the strike zone. Over half the walks were full counts and I'm confident consistency will come with each game."

The Panthers were scheduled to host ML-GHEC Monday. They entertain USC Thursday and play Friday at TCU.