PHS Softball
Last Regular Season Game for the Softball Bluejays
By Naomi Sullivan
The last regular season game for the Bluejays at Polk County on October 2, losing against the Polk County Slammers (teams from Cross County and Osceola) in an extra eighth inning.
“There was one moment where we let up a few runs, but Jessa, our catcher, got the team together in a huddle around the fifth inning, which really showed leadership. I think we can do a better job of handling it, always staying positive and communicating. I thought we hit the ball really well, so we hope to keep that going in the subdistricts. It was our last regular season game, so the important game is on Monday. We want to make sure that we’re playing our best in the postseason,” assistant coach Ryan Ohnoutka said.
Coming out of the dugout hot, the Bluejays scored one run in the first inning, along with Polk County. Quick turnarounds in the second, third, and fourth innings resulted in no runs. The Bluejays came just short of a tie at the end of the fifth inning, trailing 6-5 against the Slammers.
In the sixth inning, the Slammers pulled ahead with three runs, while the Bluejays added one dominant run. Saving their energy for the seventh inning, the Bluejays tallied three runs against the Slammers.
Heading into the eighth inning, the Bluejays were tied with the Slammers, making the final inning a nail-biter. The Bluejays fought hard, but the Slammers ultimately came out with the win.
Bluejay Evelyn Skrdla had three hits, allowing her to score. Skrdla also had three doubles, along with Jessa Kraft, who also hit three doubles. Kraft sent the ball over the fence for a home run, sparking energy on the field and in the stands.
With sharp pitches and steady focus, Kylie Dvorak tallied six strikeouts to keep the pressure on.
“There were definitely some moments where we were down. There were some girls I saw who lost a little energy, but then we got back into it, the energy would go up, and everyone was just a mix of emotions. Basically, I was just telling myself that we could have this game, no matter if we win or lose because this was a good game,” freshman Athena Bretschneider said. “We battled hard, so I was just thinking we should end it here. Definitely working on skills that we need to improve, taking the mistakes from that game and learning from them here at practice, and really working hard for this last tournament coming up to end our season strong.”
The Bluejays Take Down The Tigers
By Rylee Altwine
Hosting the Tekamah-Herman Tigers for their last regular-season game at home, the Bluejays went out with a bang, defeating the Tigers on Tuesday, September 30, with a score of 15-3.
The Bluejays started slow, but it did not take them long to get fired up.
“I thought the team executed the plan very well in Tuesday’s game. During practice, the coaches frequently discussed the positive feeling of winning, which was exactly what the team needed and ultimately achieved. Everyone played with a purpose, and I hope that it will carry on to Thursday as well as next Monday,” senior Peyton Brunkhorst says.
In the first inning, the Tigers scored one run while Pierce scored three runs.
Onto the second inning, the Jays allowed the Tigers to catch up with them, scoring two runs while Pierce scored zero. Ending the second inning, both teams had three runs each with a tied game.
Wasting no time in the third inning, the Bluejays flew past the Tigers with a total of 12 runs in the third. Sending the Tigers home at the end of the third inning, the Jays defeated Tekamah-Herman with a final score of 15-3.
“My pitching was good, but it could've been better. One thing we have improved on in games is bringing good energy,” senior Kylie Dvorak states.
Dvorak had one strikeout in the 14 batters she faced.
Helping light up the new scoreboard, which was paid for as a collaborative effort between the Pacers softball board, Midwest Bank, and the Pierce athletic booster club, were the offensive efforts of doubles hit by Athena Bretschneider, Kaelyn Halsey and Reniya Miller, in addition to a triple hit by Eleanor Bauermeister.
Senior Savannah Beutler had four RBIs in this game, which helped bring Pierce’s record to 10-18.
