NRHEG blanks Rebels 10-0, drops tough 1-0 loss to Waseca

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

How many no-hitters has Jade Schultz thrown?

Her mother, NRHEG softball coach Wendy Schultz, has no idea.

What we do know is Jade opened the Panthers’ season in grand style Thursday, throwing a no-hitter as NRHEG defeated United South Central 10-0 in five innings at Legion Field.

With Jade still recovering from a knee injury, it was uncertain if she’d even pitch this year, but Wendy said not much more damage can occur at this point. She may have surgery in May before joining the University of Minnesota basketball team in June.

Last Thursday, she threw bullets at the Rebels, striking out 12 while walking only one.

“She pitched well after missing the entire season last year,” said Wendy.

Offensively, Hannah Lundberg led the Panthers, going 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and two stolen bases. Grace Johns also had two hits. Adding one hit each were Kayley Camerer, Ryann Hagen, Kelli Harrington, Torrie Stencel and Anna Stork.

“It was a good team win,” said Coach Schultz. “Offensively, we started slow but improved as the game went on.”

The Panthers hosted Waseca Friday and lost a tough 1-0 decision. Schultz took the loss despite allowing only three hits, with 11 strikeouts and two walks.

Camerer, Stencel, Schultz, Lundberg and Alyssa Esplan had hits for NRHEG.

“We definitely had our chance to win the game,” said Coach Schultz. “We had a runner on second with no outs during the fourth inning and weren’t able to score due to a couple baserunning errors. It was a well played game by Waseca. They played errorless defense and their pitcher threw strikes. Jade pitched well again. We will have some growing pains throughout the season but hope to get them worked out by play-off time. Kayley Camerer had the big hit in the fourth inning to put us in scoring position. I feel fortunate to work with such hard working girls.”