Lady Jays Softball
Softball Hits it Big at Home
By Jada Brummels
The lights at the Pierce softball fields shone again on Thursday, Sept. 17, as the Bluejays battled the Lakeview Vikings. The Jays walked off the field with a win, 11-10. It was also parents’ night for the players, and the senior parents got to stand with their daughters on the field one last time.
In the first and second innings of the night, the scoreboard remained empty for both teams.
Then in the third inning, the Bluejays came out strong and scored three runs, leaving the Vikings trailing with none.
Next, in the fourth inning, both teams stepped it up, and the Vikings scored three runs. However, the Bluejays fought harder and put up an impressive five runs.
After the fourth inning, head Coach Ryan Ohnoutka remarked that “when Athena Bretschnieder hit a base to break the tie, and then Kinley Hilkemann scored three runners on a hit that forced an error,” the game turned in favor of the Bluejays.
During the fifth inning, the Vikings put up an additional run, while the Bluejays continued their streak, adding another three runs.
In the sixth and seventh innings of the night, the Vikings made a small comeback, scoring another three runs per inning, making the score 11-10. Despite falling into this slump, the Bluejays knew that losing was not an option, so they fought hard and held off the Vikings, winning the game.
Junior Kaelyn Halsey pitched the entire game, delivering 86 strikes out of her 123 pitches.
This was an extra special game for the Jays, not only because it was parents’ night, but also because it was Ohnoutka’s 200th career win.
After the game, Ohnoutka stated that the hidden success of the game was “our dugout energy. The girls stayed up all game, keeping the momentum on our side.”
Players agreed.
“I think the dugout was key to last night's game. It put more pressure on them and made it fun for us,” junior Maelee Hamilton stated.
Come support the Jays at their next home game on September 24.
The Heartbreaking Loss for the Bluejays
by Avery Brunckhorst
The Bluejays took two tough losses after a heartbreaking final inning in the triangular against the Wayne Blue Devils and the Boone Central Cardinals on Tuesday, September 15.
In the first game, the Bluejays played the Blue Devils, taking a close loss 11-10 after playing an extra inning and having a big lead over the Blue Devils.
In the first inning, the Bluejays added two runs when seniors Evelyn Skrdla and Jessa Kraft crossed home plate.
In the fourth inning, the Bluejays added three more runs, giving them a 7-1 lead over Wayne.
The Bluejays played an extra inning after time ran out, keeping the game close until the end when the Blue Devils scored 10 points.
“I think we just need to keep putting our heads down, working hard, and doing what we have been doing,” junior Kaelyn Halsey stated. “If we stay focused and continue putting in the effort, we will keep improving throughout the rest of the season.”
In their last game of the evening, the Bluejays played the Boone Central Cardinals, taking another loss, 14-7.
In the first inning, Kraft doubled on a line drive to center field, bringing Skrdla home and making the score 3-2 at the end of the inning in favor of the Cardinals.
Sophomore Athena Bretschneider had her bat ready in the third inning and hit a home run on a line drive to right field.
“To be able to beat the teams in future games, we need to stay hot at the plate and just keep practicing,” coach Ryan Ohnoutka stated.
Be sure to catch the Bluejays at their next home game against Ponca and Logan View/Scribner-Snyder on Thursday, September 24.
Softball at the NEN Vipers
By Tiffany Chaney
The Pierce Bluejays traveled to Pender and played the NEN Vipers, a combined team of Wisner-Pilger and Pender on Thursday, September 9.
In the first inning, Kinley Hilkemann grounded out. Evelyn Skrdla struck out. Maelee Hamilton popped out to the third baseman. Jessa Kraft walked.
In the second inning, Kraft grounded out. Eleanor Bauermeister singled on a line drive to the right fielder. Abileen Bretschneider struck out swinging while Eleanor Bauermeister remained at first base. Kaelyn Halsey was out at first base.
“We came prepared to play a tough team, and knew they were talented,” coach Ohnoutka stated.
Overall, the team had 12 players go, but 1 player was home sick.
“We just didn't perform well at the plate and missed a lot of good hits,” Ohnoutka said.
“My mindset for that game was good, and it was pretty high because practice the day before was really good, so I went into the game very confident,” junior first baseman Hamilton stated..
“I think I did okay. I hit a triple, but I could still use batting practice. My overall impression of the game is that it was not a great game, and we can definitely learn from it,” Hamilton stated.
In the third inning, Cailynn Gardner struck out swinging. Skrdla advanced to second base, and Skrdla stole third base. Kraft grounded out to the third baseman. Hamilton struck out looking.
In the fourth inning, Hilkemann was walked. Halsey’s hit to right field was caught. Bauermeister grounded out to the second baseman, and Hilkemann advanced to second. Bretschneider singled on a line drive to center fielder, and Hilkemann scored. Joslynn Kraft walked to first, and Bretschneider advanced to second. Gardner struck out swinging.
The final score was 12-1 in favor of the Vipers.
