GHV girls fall to Algona in 3A Region 2 game

[caption id="attachment_11460" align="alignleft" width="221"] GHV’s Katie Oetken made a good catch during the 3A Region 2 game played Wednesday, July 8. The Cardinal’s lost the game to Algona, 8-4. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy[/caption]

The season came to a close for the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura girls softball team in the first round game of the 3A Region 2 game played on Wednesday, July 8.  Algona won the seven inning game, 8-4.

“We knew coming into this game that it was going to be a very good game,” said Coach Christina Weiser. “We are two very similar teams with similar strengths and weaknesses.  It came down to a couple of plays and a couple of at-bats and unfortunately, they ended up on the top side of the scoreboard.”

The Cardinals had opportunities to make things happen offensively, but bad aim hindered their success.  They had runners in scoring position, but late in the game, those hits were right at Algona’s defense.  Algona’s hits, on the other hand, were finding gaps.

Miranda Jackson was the leader on offense.  Her double knocked in three of the Cardinals’ four runs.  Collecting a single apiece were Tiara Van Gerpen, Ossman, Mackenzie Van Gerpen, Payton Bamrick, Katie Oetken and Grace Tusha.

Brooklynn Ossman recorded the loss on the mound.  She walked one and allowed 11 hits.

Scoring runs for GHV were Ossman, Tusha, Sydney Childress and Oetken.

Van Gerpen was the only Cardinal to steal.  She recorded two stolen bases.

The Cardinals ended a successful season with a record of 18-14.

“This season was a great season of growth for us.  We took so many steps in the right direction and the result was a higher number of wins than we have had in several years.  The statistical numbers we put up this season are some of the best in the past 30 years,” said Weiser.  “More than any stat in the record book, I will remember this group for their commitment to what we as coaches asked them to do and their commitment to being good teammates to each other.  This group was a very special group of young women.”