I am so incredible proud to coach this group of fun, skilled and electric athletes!”

Orioles varsity softball coach Kim Goettl

The Oriole girls varsity is on a roll.
Playing Thursday, May 14 on the blue field at Casper Park, the Orioles defeated McDonell Central to claim the conference championship, a solid defense joined to a strong offense bringing the win 9-4.
Caitlin Ketterhagen dominated on the pitcher’s mound, logging a 119-84 pitch to strike record over 30 batters with 15 strikeouts as the Orioles powered to victory over McDonell, with Kelly Lew going four for five and tripling in the fourth inning for 3 RBIS after singling in the first, third, and sixth.
Orioles varsity softball coach Kim Goettl shared more.
“It has been since 1998, since our last conference title!” she said. “I was a sophomore third baseman that year for the Orioles. It was an amazing feeling to bring the title back. These girls are unbelievably talented and have great chemistry. It is so rewarding to see them play to their potential and get the credit they deserved. I’m hopeful they feel the satisfaction of all their extra time and effort paying off! I am so incredible proud to coach this group of fun, skilled and electric athletes!”
Things started out uncertain, with McDonell gaining a two lead run in the first followed by several with no score. Then in the top of the fourth the Orioles took the lead, with a triple by Kelly Lew to center field bringing 3 RBIs for a score of 3-2. Batted in off Lew’s triple were Wundrow, Neveah Walters, and Ella Nitz.
The score 3-2, Amanda Lew then hit a fly ball out to center field allowing Bailey Sikora to score and Wundrow to advance to third, with Kendall Sikora scoring after Dannea Wundrow singled on a ground ball, advancing to second on an error by McDonell, ending the inning 5-2.
The fifth inning meanwhile saw both McDonell and Stanley-Boyd scoreless.
The bats made contact again in the top of the sixth, the Orioles scoring after Kelly Lew stole second and Ketterhagen singled on a fly ball, allowing Walters and Lew to score. McDonell fought back in the bottom of the sixth, scoring two additional runs to bring the score 7-4 Orioles.
The Orioles clinched the win in the top of the seventh as Alaina Nitz singled on a fly ball to left field, allowing Ella Nitz to score. Ella Nitz then doubled on a fly ball to left field, allowing Amanda Lew to score. A solid defense in the bottom of the seventh kept McDonell from scoring, making the Orioles Conference Champions!
Now 17-2 for the season after two more games over the weekend, the Orioles are seeded number 1 and start regionals Tuesday, May 26 at Stanley-Boyd, playing the winner of the Elk Mound vs. Neillsville/Granton regional Thursday, May 21.