Sweet Home 3, Marist 0
Game one of doubleheader
The Husky softball team opened the season with a win over Elmira and split a doubleheader with Marist.
In the first game of the doubleheader, at Marist on March 18, the Huskies won 3-0. The Huskies were on the road because of poor weather.
“Defensively, we played very good defense again, committing only one error,” Coach Steve Hummer said. “(Nicki) Aerni played very well at second base. (Makenzie) Marchbanks struck out nine and allowed no walks.
“Offensively, we struggled a bit, collecting only seven hits, but we were able to make the most of them.
The play of the game was a suicide bunt in the fifth inning by (Michelle) Cliver, which scored Aerni from third.
“We collected two bunt singles and had several sacrifices. Our ability to bunt and move runners set up most of our scoring.
Sara Brocard pitched in relief for Marchbanks. Garrett and Plank pitched for Marist.
Sweet Home 010 0200 3 7 1
Marist 000 0000 0 4 1
Marist 7, Sweet Home 1
Game two of doubleheader
Marist came back to defeat the Huskies 7-1 in the second game.
“This was a poor performance by us,” Hummer said. “We committed several mental errors and four fielding errors, which allowed Marist to get several extra opportunities.
“In softball, you just cannot give a good team like Marist extra outs.
“Kim Bell, who is one of our JV pitchers, started the game and performed well. She and Chelsea Gregory will be taking turns seeing some varsity time this year as we look to the future and develop our program.
“We were only able to collect four hits, and we struck out 10 times. I guess you could say it was one of those games that we just didn’t play well. It was a game to learn from, make adjustments and move on.
“I am happy with how we have started our season, despite the loss in the second game. We have a lot of work to do, but I have no doubt the ladies will continue to work hard and make strides to accomplish our goals.”
Marchbanks, Brocard and Cliver pitched in relief.
Sweet Home 000 0001 1 4 4
Marist 200 005x 7 9 0
Sweet Home 4, Elmira 3
The Huskies opened their season with a 4-3 win at Elmira, on the road because of weather.
“Marchbanks collected seven strikeouts and gave up an uncharacteristic four walks but competed very well,” Hummer said. “It was a very cold day, which is difficult on a pitcher. I was very proud of her in that when she gave up a walk she really competed and did not allow those walks to score.
“(Lacey) Pettit made a great play in her first varsity game getting pulled off the first base and then tagging the runners as she ran by. She showed a lot of poise as a freshman and also collected her first varsity hit.”
Hitting, Aerni went 2-4, and Cliver went 2-3 with an RBI. Cait Thireault, Pettit and Jessalyn Seiber all added a hit each. Idahna Huenergardt hit an RBI.
“Elmira is a strong program, and this was a great way for us to start,” Hummer said. “We played very good defense and got some timely hits early.”
Sweet Home 300 0100 4 9 1
Elmira 002 1000 3 6 1