61st article at the Independent

PREP SOFTBALL: Wabasso pushes win streak to five

CHRIS DRUMMOND cdrummond@marshallindependent.com

WABASSO — After four straight wins to start the week, the Wabasso softball team looked to end their homestand on a strong note against Montevideo. Despite facing windy and wet conditions, the Rabbits relied on a solid day on offense to earn a 16-4 victory in five innings on Friday.

The Rabbits jumped out to an early three run lead in the bottom half of the first behind aggressive baserunning and errors committed by the Thunderhawks. The Thunderhawks would respond cutting the lead to two after trailing the Rabbits 4-2. However, it was all Rabbits from that point on. In the bottom of the third, the Rabbits batted around and had a nine-run inning, putting the game out of reach. In the very next inning, Sophia Hanna would hit her first home run of the season capping off a stellar performance by the Rabbits.

Many players contributed on the Rabbits, led by Avery Carlson striking out six and pitching a complete game. Teammates Sara Carlson, Kelsey Frank and Macy Rohlik all had multiple hits in the ballgame while Addisyn Hillesheim reached base every at-bat, going 3 for 3 with a walk. Wabasso head coach Tiffany Eichten assessed her team’s performance in Friday’s game.

“I thought we played well, we capitalized on some pitching changes that they did and we did a good job of adjusting,” Eichten said. “Sophia came through with that home run and she’s been a great leader for us, staying focus and good things happen when you stay focused.”

Hanna also elaborated on her home run and going 3 for 4 in the game.

“Coach Eichten is always saying confidence in your power phrase, I got this, be patient and I just crushed it,” Hanna said.

Wabasso (8-3) will host Springfield next Thursday evening at 4:30 p.m.

Wabasso 16, Montevideo 4

(5 innings)

Hitting: Wabasso (Hillesheim 3-3; Hanna 3-4, HR, RBI; S. Carlson 2-3; Frank 2-4; Rohlik 2-3).

Pitching: Wabasso (IP-R-ER-H-BB-SO): A. Carlson (5-4-1-6-2-6).