Spirit Lake ends GHV’s softball season

Cards fall hard in opening round of  Class 3A Region 2 playoffs

The Garner-Hayfield-Ventura softball team ran into a powerhouse when they faced fourth ranked Spirit Lake on Wednesday, July 6, in the opening round of the Class 3A Region 2 playoffs.

The Indians blew the game wide open in the first inning, when they scored 11 runs.  Spirit Lake scored six more runs in the second inning for a 17-0 shut-out in three innings.

The Spirit Lake pitcher, Bailee Newman, held the Cardinals to just three hits.  She struck out five and walked only one.

GHV tried three different pitchers on the mound.  Bailee Pitzenberger started the game.  She gave up eight hits and nine runs.  She walked one and struck-out one.  Ashley Markla pitched 1.67 innings.  She gave up nine hits and eight runs and struck-out one batter.  Jillian Heitland wrapped up the game in the final inning.  She gave up one hit.

Jacki Van Oort, Payton Bamrick and Mackenzie Van Gerpen were the only Cardinals that could manage a hit off Newman.

The Indians had some hot bats, recording three homeruns and two doubles among their 18 hits.

“Despite the loss, I feel that this team has some great potential for the future,” said Coach Matt Graham.