The Stanley-Boyd Orioles varsity softball team split a pair of games last week, falling to McDonell before bouncing back with a strong win over Cadott.
Against McDonell on April 21, the Orioles dropped an 8-2 decision despite collecting 10 hits. Bailey Sikora and Deanna Wundrow each went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, while Kelly Lew added two hits and a run. Caitlen Ketterhagen struck out 13 batters in a complete-game effort, but a big third inning by McDonell proved decisive.
Orioles head varsity softball coach Kim Goettl said the result against McDonell wasn’t what the team had hoped for, noting, “Not the outcome we wanted or expected,” she said. “We just couldn’t string our hits together and most of our hits were right at the defense.”
Despite the loss, Goettl saw positives moving forward. “The loss isn’t a bad thing for us,” she said. “The team did some good reflecting and came away with a great mindset for moving forward. Actually it feels like that game was forever ago. We are excited to see them again.”
Two days later, the Orioles responded with an 8-0 shutout victory over Cadott. The offense remained hot with 12 hits, led by Kendall Sikora and Wundrow with three hits each. Ketterhagen dominated the pitcher’s mound again, allowing just four hits while striking out 12 with no walks.
The team overcame less-than-ideal conditions to secure the win. “We were not excited about a late arrival to the game and had an hour long weather delay, but the girls did a great job staying focused and finishing with a win,” Goettl said.
Playing Augusta Monday with a game against Elk Mound Tuesday after press time, the Orioles face Bloomer on Thursday, April 30 at Stanley-Boyd. Game start is 5:00 p.m.