“Our team defense that night showed up to compete. We kept our composure and finished plays.” Such is the way Varsity Softball Coach Tyler Wagner describes the 3-0 no hitter win against Regis on Thursday May 4. With 20 first pitch strikes and five strikeouts, Oriole pitcher Ashly Zastrow contributed heavily to the victory, alongside others.

“Ashly contributed by working the strike zone but also keeping batters off balanced, not allowing them to make solid contact and allowing our defense to make plays for her,” Wagner said. “She also had to field her position as batters weren’t able to line her up and had a few hits that only managed to get out in front of the plate.”

With zero runs and thus no score on Regis part, the Oriole girls had three runs by Jessica Hazuga, Monica Derks, and Ashly Zastrow respectively. These in turn were batted in by Zastrow, Emily Brenner, and McKenzie Derks for an overall team effort that helped lead to the May 4 win. So what is the team focusing on for this season?

“Our team is focusing on having our pitchers throw strikes and having a defense that will make plays for them,” Wagner said. “Playing together and trusting each other on the defensive side of the field is where our success comes from. As for hitting, having good pitch selection and putting solid contact in play is a key for our offense. Looking ahead, we have a stacked week (May 10th-May 14th) with 5 games. It will be a test for our pitching depth and provide a lot of opportunities of growth.”

Ashley Zastrow pitches at Oriole Park in a game against Cadott at Oriole Park on Friday May 7.