Villisca fourth at Tigers Invite
GRISWOLD — The Villisca Blue Jays softball team finished fourth at the Tigers Invitational after losing both games in Griswold on Saturday.
Villisca lost the consolation game to the Clarinda Cardinals, 11-5. The game was ended after five innings due to a 90 minute time limit.
The Blue Jays led at the end of the first inning, 3-0, thanks to the efforts of Courtney Auxier, Sheri Schaaf and Jill Vanderhoof.
After Auxier got on base, the senior stole a base and moved to third on a Schaaf bunt single. Vanderhoof then singled, in which Auxier was caught in a rundown at third base. Clarinda’s throw to third went high, allowing Auxier to score the first run of the game.
Schaaf and Vanderhoof then scored on a groundout by Katelyn Kernen.
Vanderhoof started the game and had to deal with a runner on third base in the second inning. The sophomore struck out the batter to get out of the inning.
Abbey Wallingford scored the fourth run for Villisca in the second inning, thanks to a sacrifice fly by Auxier.
Clarinda responded by scoring three runs in the third inning, which cut Villisca’s lead to 4-3.
The Cardinals tied the game 4-4, in the top of the fourth inning.
The Blue Jays scored once more, in the bottom of the fourth when Auxier scored on a hit by Sheri Schaaf.
Clarinda scored seven runs on three hits in the fifth inning to take the lead.
The Blue Jays had three hits. Auxier was 1-for-1 at the plate with a walk and two runs scored.
Schaaf was 1-for-3 with one run scored and one RBI.
In the first game, Villisca lost to Griswold, 3-2. Griswold scored the game-winning run with two outs in the seventh inning.
Auxier was 2-for-4 at the plate with a RBI and two stolen bases.
Schaaf had the other hit in the game for the Blue Jays.
Kernen was credited with the loss, as she gave up three runs (one earned) on one hit, but struck out eight Griswold batters in the process.
On Friday, Villisca lost to Fremont-Mills, 10-1 The Blue Jays faced a pitching counter-part in senior Mindy Lorimor, who is one of the best pitchers in the Corner Conference.
Villisca scored one run on four hits against Lorimor.
Kernen had the only multi-hit game for Villisca, finishing the night 2-for-3 with one RBI and three stolen bases.
On Thursday, Villisca lost to the Stanton Viqueens, 12-10.
Amanda Focht and Heather Means scored two runs each for Villisca. Kernen had the lone multi-hit game for Villisca as she was 2-for-4 with two RBI.
Villisca played a doubleheader last Wednesday, splitting the games.
The Blue Jays defeated East Mills, 15-3. Villisca moved well on the base paths, stealing 12 bases.
Courtney Auxier and Jill Vanderhoof each stole three bases to lead the Blue Jays.
Sheri Schaaf had a season high of four hits, including three doubles, also a season high. Schaaf scored three runs and drove in four more.
Vanderhoof and Focht were both 2-for-2 at the plate and each scored two runs. Vanderhoof had three RBI and was credited with the win, as she pitched four innings and gave up only three runs.
The Blue Jays lost their next game, to Earlham, 12-3.
Villisca had only three runs on five hits in the game.
Vanderhoof was 1-for-4 with one run scored and one RBI. Auxier and Focht scored the other runs for Villisca.
Last Tuesday, Villisca lost to Essex/South Page, 13-3.
Lead-off hitter Schaaf had the only multi-hit game for the Blue Jays. Schaaf was 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and one stolen base.
Haer scored the other run of the game, the sophomore was 1-for-4 at the plate with one RBI. Courtney Auxier was 1-for-2 with two RBI.
Kernen was credited with the loss. Kernen pitched a complete game, giving up nine earned runs on 12 hits with three strikeouts.
The Blue Jays played at Bedford on Monday, but results weren't available as of press time.
Tuesday, the Blue Jays will face Nishnabotna.