By JIM LUTGENS

Sports Editor

The NRHEG High School softball team opened the 2024 season with a 6-0 loss at Randolph Thursday, April 4.

The Panthers were held to four hits, two by Izzy Stadheim and one apiece by Faith Nielsen and Olivia Berg.

Nielsen pitched for the Panthers, allowing four earned runs on eight hits, with four strikeouts and a walk. Winning pitcher Carter Raymond struck out 13 and walked four.

"Defensively, I thought we played really well against a solid Randolph team," said NRHEG coach Kayley Camerer. "We had minor miscues but were able to get outs when we need them. Faith pitched a good game against a great hitting team in Randolph. Offensively, we struggled a bit, but we were able to see the ball better towards the end of the game, which I hope will give us the confidence going into our next few games."

The Panthers faced Austin Saturday and ran into another hot pitcher while falling 4-0.

Stadheim and Payton Bunn had the Panthers' lone hits.

Nielsen pitched, giving up one earned run on three hits. She struck out three and walked three.

Winning pitcher K. Schaefer struck out 10 and did not issue a walk.

The Panthers broke into the victory column Monday with a 16-0 triumph over visiting Triton at Legion Field.

Stadheim went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and one RBI, Izley Boerner 1-for-2 with two runs and three RBIs, Faith Nielsen 1-for-2 with a run, Preslie Nielsen 1-for-2 with a double, three runs and one RBI, Erin Peterson 1-for-3 with a double, two runs and one RBI, Tayler Schmidt 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Bunn and Aspyn Stenzel each had a hit and scored a run. Bunn had an RBI.

Faith Nielsen pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs on two hits, with two strikeouts and three walks.

The Panthers are scheduled to play Thursday, April 11 at United South Central. They host Blooming Prairie Friday and play Monday at Granada-Huntley-East Chain/Martin Luther.