Staff writer
The Marion High School softball team lost its second-round game Tuesday of the regional tournament to Hillsboro, 10-0, in Lyons.
Annie Whitaker recorded the Warriors only hit in the first inning. Trojan pitcher Tena Loewen escaped the inning without giving up a run. Only one other Marion baserunner would reach base all game; JayDee Schafers was safe at first after a throwing error by Hillsboro shortstop Stephanie Sanders. Loewen struck out one hitter in five innings of work.
“We hit it right at them,” coach Jill Hudson said. “At least we went up there swinging.”
Marion pitcher Raelene Allen did not have as much success on the pitching rubber. Hillsboro recorded 12 hits in the contest. Before she was relieved by Chelsea Voth, Allen surrendered all 10 Hillsboro runs. Loewen went 3-for-3 at the plate with 3 runs scored. Danae Bina went 1-for-1 with 2 runs and an RBI. Krista Reimer went 2-for-3 with a run and 2 RBIs. Sanders went 1-for-2 with 2 runs and two RBIs.
“They’re a good hitting team,” Hudson said. “They are probably state bound.”
With a win against Sterling Monday, the Warriors season ended at 6-16.
While Hudson said the team will miss seniors Allen, Shelby Percell, Jordan Harper, Alex Cain, and Sarah Guetersloh, the progress of the team’s young players shows promise for next year.
Hudson said Sophomore Montana Percell proved to be a coachable and hard-working player. Freshman Megan Richmond was already one of the team’s best athletes. She played solidly at shortstop and gained strength as a pitcher as the season progressed. Freshman Megan Davies is another player Hudson pinpointed as much improved, even though she did not see much playing time for the varsity team.
Whitaker will be the team’s only returning senior for next season. The junior outfielder broke out at the plate this season, achieving several multi-hit performances.
“My girls have come a long way,” Hudson said. “We finished strong. It’s just a short season.”