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Whittell softball tops Smith Valley

J.P. Kelsey
jpkelsey@tahoedailytribune.com
Junior Kaitlyn Kjer belts a pitch to help put some runs on the board for Whittell.
Courtesy Photo/ Renee Snipes |

After a string of tough losses in early season scrimmages, the Whittell Warriors softball team has been turning things around, one win at a time. The team is now 5-3 overall and 4-0 in league play.

The most recent wins came from double-header action at Smith Valley High. The Warriors defeated the Bulldogs, 16-1, in game one and 11-7 in game two. Game one was called in the third inning after Whittell had hammered away at the Bulldog’s defense, putting together a 15-run lead.

Leading the offensive effort in game one was Makena Snipes. Snipes went 2-for-3, singling twice for a run and two RBIs. Juniors Kaitlyn Kjer and Allison Bell both had a hit each. Kjer went 1-for-2 in the game, singling for a run and two RBIs. Bell had two runs. The Warriors’ lead was adding up quickly in the game, with seven runs put up in both the first and second innings. Freshman Lorelei Kuenzi had three runs, while senior Eva Fuller, senior Madison Idso, junior Sydney Ellbogen and freshman Raeann Nelson all had two runs.



Defensively, Whittell was not letting Smith Valley gain any traction. Idso allowed only three hits for one run. Idso also recorded six strikeouts and no walks in the three-inning game.

Game two saw Smith Valley showing their offensive talents a little more, adding four runs in the first inning to Whittell’s five. There was a glimmer of home for the bulldogs after their efforts put them at a 6-6 tie with Whittell in the fourth inning. The Warriors soon put the momentum to bed when they rallied in the fifth inning and put up five runs. Smith Valley was only able to put one more run on the board, giving Whittell the 11-7 win.



The Warrior’s offense was more active in game two, overall, with almost everyone in the lineup getting on base at least once. Kuenzi got a batting average boost, going 1-for-2, singling for an RBI. Kjer went 1-for-2, with a hit for an RBI, and Snipes singled for an RBI. Junior Lacey Robinson and seniors Alison Cropsy and Ava Fuller all had a hit each to help secure the win.

Idso was also the pitcher for game two. She allowed nine hits and recorded another six strikeouts. Whittell will have a few more games at Smith Valley this week before wrapping up the regular season at Coleveille High, April 29.


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