SOFTBALL

The HU softball team (1-1) kicked off its season in dramatic fashion by picking off #5 Lindsey Wilson College, 1-0, Friday afternoon in the nightcap of a twin bill with the Blue Raiders at Marilyn D. Sparks Park. The loss was LWC’s first of the season as they drop to 9-1 on the year.

The Blue Raiders entered the day ranked 6th nationally in runs scored (8.6) but junior pitcher Meghan Fretz wasn’t about to let that happen while she was in the circle. The right-handed hurler went the distance to shutout one of the nation’s best for her first statement win of the season. In addition to scattering just five hits, none for extra bases, she gave up two walks while striking out six.

The game’s only run came in the top of the first. Kiera Stacy got thing started with a two-bagger down the left field line after which Jada Crofoot safely reached base on a misplayed grounder. It moved Stacy to third and allowed her to touch home on the next play when Kaela Robey singled through the hole at short.

The Foresters would accumulate three more hits on the afternoon and leave two base runners stranded while the hosts matched that hit total with five but could never string together enough to find home as they left nine runners on base.

The opener was a different story as Lindsey Wilson unleashed for six runs in their opening at bat to take a commanding lead that they rode out for a 12-3 win in a six-inning affair. They used up six of their 12 hits in the frame but still managed to add four runs in the fifth and another two in the sixth.

Huntington struck first in the top of the first thanks to Stacy’s sacrifice fly. HU scored again in the fourth. With bases loaded, Joelle Beals drove in a run on a fielder’s choice and then Karley Blankenship stepped up to the plate and pounded out an RBI-single for run No. 3 for Gower and crew.

Mallory West tossed the first frame to be charged with the loss. She gave up six hits, six runs and a walk.

The Foresters are back in action to face St. Mary-of-the-Woods College tomorrow on LWC’s field at 1:00 p.m.