The softball team's 10-2 mark indicates we are not world-beaters. I get repetitive on this but the key is whether we can put up a good challenge in sections. I'll repeat that the southern Minnesota teams like Jackson County Central can be a real roadblock.
The Tigers have shown through most of this regular season that they have state-caliber skills. We are a perfect 8-0 in conference. Of course the CW is that our conference is not particularly tough. Don't know why that is. We are 4-1 in section, 5-1 away from the home diamond and 5-1 at home also. Obviously a lot of encouraging signs.
But signs of some vulnerability too like with these recent losses: 7-3 to Dassel-Cokato and 3-0 to Hawley. Ouch, a shutout! But on Friday the fans' spirits picked up as the Tigers swept a doubleheader. Scores were 9-2 and 11-8 at the 'Waska diamond. The success did not come easily or routinely! That was especially true with Game 2. But let's start with Game 1 here.
Win by seven
Haley Kill was in charge from the pitching circle in the 9-2 Game 1 success. Haley allowed just four hits and fanned six 'Waska batters in her full seven-inning stretch. Offensively we came on strong late with three runs in the sixth and four in the seventh. Some breathing room finally opened up. 'Waska scored its two runs in the first.
Looks like fielding was a factor as 'Waska had four errors, the Tigers none.
Ryla Koehler had a productive bat with a three-for-four line in the boxscore. She stole two bases, drove in four runs and scored two. Samantha Konz socked a double. She scored a run and drove in one.
Aina Rose was aggressive on the basepaths with three steals, plus she walked and scored two runs. Harmony Coverdale had a hit, a stolen base and a run scored. My neighbor Addison Cihak hit safely and drew a walk. Miu Lu Asche walked three times, stole a base and scored three runs.
Haley Kill had a hit, stole a base, drew a walk and drove in a run. Nora Boyle was one-for-four with an RBI.
'Waska's Ella Roering had two hits including a double. Norah Van Zee pitched for the Lakers.
Coming through in Game 2
The second game of this twin bill had more drama. Neal Hofland filled me in at DeToy's this morning. MACA had to come on strong with six runs between the fifth and sixth innings to get the advantage over a stubborn 'Waska team. Our line score was eleven runs, eleven hits and one error. 'Waska's was 8-16-1. Yes we were out-hit.
Nora Boyle and Haley Kill worked in tandem in the pitching circle with Kill getting the 'W'. Kill fanned four batters, Boyle one. No walks issued.
Samantha Konz delivered a home run for the Tigers. She was one-for-three with a run scored and two ribbies. Harmony Coverdale was all over the basepaths as her showing included two doubles, three stolen bases, a walk received, two RBIs and two runs scored.
Aina Rose had a hit, drew a walk, stole a base and drove in a run. Mia Lu Asche walked, reached on HBP and scored a run. Ryla Koehler stayed in the groove hitting with a three-for-four showing. She crossed home plate once.
Haley Kill hit safely, drew two walks and scored twice. Nora Boyle doubled, scored two runs, drove in a run, got on via HBP and walked. Brenna Jergenson worked the pitcher for three walks. Her bat produced two hits. She drove in three runs and scored one. Jade Marty walked and scored a run.
Two 'Waska Lakers each had three hits: Avery Lewison and Emma Poegel. The losing pitcher was Kendyll Jenson.
Too darn cold
Today's the day for activating my lawn mowing equipment for the new "warm" season. I put "warm" in quotes. I grabbed my winter coat once again when leaving the house for breakfast at DeToy's. This morning, softball athlete Addie Cihak was one of the servers.
Will my walk-behind mower start on the first pull? Suspense. I am actually confident that it will. I have learned a fair amount through the years. Well it's about time, I'm 71 years old. I sat next to Larry Anderson who has even more experience in life than I do.
One of the DeToy's servers will be graduating from UMM in a few days. I told her where I always position myself for the processional: in between Oyate and the circle drive.
I was present on the mall for UMM's very first graduation in 1964, proud to say. It was a big deal that the U of M president was here. I remember the guy's name without having to consult Google. It was O. Meredith Wilson. UMM was coming out of its early stresses of development. My father's men's chorus gave the place a helpful high profile.
The DeToy's server is "Addie" just like Ms. Cihak. And on Sunday I'll probably see Addison Blume working at the restaurant. Addison was Herman's Homecoming queen. She would have been queen even with a substantially bigger enrollment there IMHO. I remember the photo in the paper of Addison and the king: this is how a homecoming royal couple is supposed to look, not how they've done it at UMM. Tradition should be respected just for the sake of the alumni IMHO.
Will we be hearing about major cuts at UMM after the graduation? There is reason to feel concerned. All of higher education is approaching the "demographic cliff."
UMM grad-to-be Addie says that if you're at DeToy's and need service, just say "Addie!"
- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - musicstuff54@gmail.com
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