GHV softball team splits games

The Garner-Hayfield-Ventura softball team opened the season by splitting a pair of games.

Forest City 11, GHV 6

The girls suffered a loss in their opening game of the season.  The Cardinals fell to Forest City on Wednesday, May 25.

The Cardinals came out strong and hit well, taking a 3-0 lead at the end of the first inning.  The Indians went on a roll in the second inning, scoring seven runs and followed that by scoring two runs in both the third and fourth innings to tak an 11-3 lead.  GHV came alive in the fifth and scored two runs and collected one more in the top of the seventh, but it wasn’t enough as they fell, 11-6.

“We hit the ball well and hustled.  We just had one bad inning that we didn’t make some plays and that was the difference in the game,” said Coach Matt Graham.

Jillian Heitland took the loss on the mound, pitching five innings.  She gave up nine hits and 11 runs.  She had three strike-outs.  Bailee Pitzenberger pitched one inning and gave up one hit.

Mackenzie Van Gerpen had a good night at the plate, collecting three hits, including one double.  She also had two RBIs.  Miranda Jackson also had a good night with two hits and she scored three runs and had one stolen base. Payton Bamrick had two hits, including one double.  She scored two runs and had one RBI.

Katie Oetken hit a double that brought in one run.  Also collecting a hit apiece was Jacki Van Oort, Abby Kale and Megan Oetken.

GHV 7, West Hancock 4

The Cardinals battled through a come from behind game to beat West Hancock, 7-4, on Friday, May 27.

GHV got behind 4-2 at the end of the fourth inning, but came back by scoring one run in the fifth and two in the seventh, while holding the Eagles scoreless in the last three innings for the 7-4 victory.

“The girls competed hard the whole game and showed resilience in their hitting,” said Coach Matt Graham.  “Bailee Pitzenberger also did a great job in the circle, giving up only one hard hit ball.”

Pitzenberger pitched all seven innings.  She gave up nine hits, had three strikeouts and gave up one home run.

Megan Oetken had a strong night at the plate, with two hits, one being a double.  She had three RBIs and scored one run.

Mackenzie Van Gerpen and Abby Kale each had two hits and one RBI.  Kale also scored two runs.  Katie Oetken hit a single and scored one run for the Cardinals.

“The first week was great to get on the field and see what we need to continue to work on.  We just need more reps in game situations and at the plate and I think our season can be a great one,” said Graham.  “We have a tough week next week with six games in five days against some quality competition.  It will be a good gauge to see where we are at.”