The Stanley-Boyd Orioles continued their strong early-season run with back-to-back victories, defeating Bloomer 10–3 on April 14 before dominating Thorp 15–0 in a three-inning shutout on April 16, bringing their season record 6-0 thus far.
Against Bloomer, the Orioles showcased a complete performance built on timely hitting and steady pitching. After the game was tied 1-1 through the first inning, Stanley-Boyd took control with multi-run innings in the second and fifth, finishing with 10 runs on 16 hits. Amanda Lew led the offense with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, while Nevaeh Walters went 3-for-4 and Bailey Sikora added extra-base power with a triple and a double, driving in two runs.
Stanley-Boyd Orioles head varsity softball coach Kim Goettl emphasized her team’s mindset and execution against a tough opponent.
“We knew going into the Bloomer game that they are strong hitters and we would need to play at our standard,” she said.
That standard was evident throughout the lineup, as multiple players contributed to eight total RBIs. The Orioles also applied constant pressure on the bases, using aggressive baserunning to create scoring opportunities.
“I was very proud of the girls’ composure through the entire game. They stayed positive and encouraging,” Goettl said. “The biggest aspect of the game that stood out was the girls’ aggressive play. They were stealing bases and diving for balls, which made them a scary team to play against.”
On the pitcher’s mound, Caitlen Ketterhagen delivered a complete game, allowing three runs on nine hits while striking out 11 and walking just two over seven innings.
Two days later, Stanley-Boyd carried that momentum into a dominant showing against Thorp. The Orioles needed just three innings to secure a 15–0 victory, overwhelming Thorp with 13 hits and 12 RBIs while drawing four walks.
Ella Nitz led the way offensively, going 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBIs. Amanda Lew, Kendall Sikora, and Nevaeh Walters each added doubles, while the team displayed its trademark aggressiveness on the basepaths with multiple stolen bases, including three by Kelly Lew and two each from Lew, Nitz, and Walters.
Stanley-Boyd’s lineup was efficient and relentless, scoring 15 runs on just 19 at-bats. The Orioles capitalized on nearly every opportunity, turning hits and baserunning into a quick, decisive outcome.
Ketterhagen again delivered in the circle, throwing a three-inning one-hitter while striking out seven and allowing just two walks. She faced only 13 batters and threw 51 pitches, 35 for strikes, in another commanding performance.
Across the two games, Stanley-Boyd combined for 25 runs on 29 hits while allowing just three total runs. Ketterhagen accounted for 18 strikeouts over 10 innings, anchoring a pitching staff that has been dominant early in the season.
With consistent production at the plate, aggressive baserunning, and reliable pitching, the Orioles are showing they can control games in multiple ways—making them a team to watch as the season progresses.
With a game against Cumberland cancelled for weather and a 14-0 win against Neillsville on Monday, the Orioles play Cadott at Cadott on Thursday, April 23. Game start is 5 p.m.