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Softball set for regional first round

By Keith Burner - | May 9, 2001

The Chieftain softball team has been on a tear lately, going 2-0 last week to bolster its record to 11-5 as it heads into next Monday’s first-round regional tournament game.

Tournament pairings and game times will be determined Saturday.

Last Wednesday, the team traveled to Valley Falls for a triangular with Valley Falls and Edgerton.

In the first game, a 5-1 victory over Valley Falls, the Chieftains warmed up after a scoreless first inning and exploded for five runs on five hits in the second.

No player had more than one hit, but Heather Beach and Michelle McWilliams each had two RBI’s.

Katie Jeannin pitched all seven innings, striking out seven batters and giving up only two hits and one walk.

That’s nearly an exact replica of the game Laura Samuels threw against Edgerton in the nightcap.

“Katie threw a two-hitter and Samuels threw a three-hitter,” Coach Mark Mall said. “They’ve given up 21 runs in the last 13 games. That’s not too bad.”

Samuels also logged seven strikeouts and three walks.

But against Edgerton, Tonganoxie got things going early with their bats and won, 12-1.

Andrea Korb went 2-4 from the plate, including an RBI triple. Laura Korb kept pace with her cousin, going 3-5 with three runs an RBI and a double.

Kim Newton and Sarah Holliday each had two RBIs.

“Offensively, we still haven’t had anyone really come through,” Mall said. “They’re consistent but different people are stepping up in each game.”

But the team doesn’t have to score much, because its defense is so strong.

“That’s been one of the keys,” Mall said. “We’ve fielded well, pitched well, caught well. Really, it’s been a team effort. I mean, my highest girl’s only batting .306.”

The team is averaging less than one error a game.

“That’s pretty good,” Mall said. “It shows we’re coming a long way.

“My two starting pitchers have only given up 12 walks in 16 games and that makes it whole lot easier. The Royals would take that.”