By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Bulldogs sweep Central to open softball season
MFLMM Softball 6/3_2
Freshman Vanessa Luse was 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs in game one of MFL MarMac’s doubleheader sweep of Central. - photo by Audrey Posten

The MFL MarMac softball team opened its season May 27 with a pair of resounding victories over visiting Central.

Game one was a back-and-forth battle between the two Upper Iowa Conference squads, with the Bulldogs taking a 4-0 lead after the opening frame. Central chipped away with two runs in the second inning, before MFL MarMac got one back for a 5-2 edge.

Although a five-run third allowed the Warriors to take a 7-5 lead, the Bulldogs battled back with five runs of their own, then scored seven more times to end the game early with a 17-7 victory.

MFL MarMac amassed eight hits—seven of them singles—and flooded the bases with 15 walks. Senior Jerica Wille was 2-for-4 and reached on an error. She drove in a run and scored twice. Sophomore Kytlee Warrington smacked a two-RBI double, walked twice and scored a run. Senior Hailey Bouzek singled, walked twice and drove in two runs while scoring once herself. Freshman Vanessa Luse was 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs.

Senior Kacie Picha scored a team-high four runs after reaching three times on a single and two walks. She also stole two bases. Eighth grader Kendyll Egan was another speed threat, swiping three bags after reaching via a hit and a walk. She scored two runs.

Bouzek picked up the win for the Bulldogs, allowing six hits and three walks in three innings on the mound. Two of the seven runs scored against her were earned. Luse pitched the final inning, surrendering no hits or walks and striking out one batter.

MFLMM Softball 6/3_1
Jerica Wille races toward home to score one of her two runs in the Bulldogs’ game one victory against Central on May 27. - photo by Audrey Posten

MFL MarMac followed that up with a 14-4 victory in game two of the doubleheader, breaking open what was a 6-4 lead with an eight-run fourth inning. The offense continued to click with another 10 hits, as well as six walks. One player was hit by a pitch and two reached on Central errors.

Senior Grace Palas led the effort with two hits, two RBIs and a run scored. Picha singled twice and had an RBI and a sacrifice, while scoring once. Bouzek finished the game 1-for-2, with a double and a walk. She knocked in a run and crossed home plate twice. Another two RBIs came from freshman Brooklyn Landt.

Freshman Khloe Schutte tripled and scored a team-high three runs. Wille and freshman Brooklynn Audet each scored twice and were responsible for the Bulldogs’ three stolen bases.

MFL MarMac closed out last week against Decorah on May 29, then a tournament at Central City on May 30. Stats from those games were not available at press time.

This week is another busy one for the Bulldogs, who traveled to Crestwood for a doubleheader on June 1, then to Denver on June 2 and Turkey Valley for a twin bill on June 3. The team will compete in a tournament at North Fayette Valley June 5-6.