Washington Evening Journal
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EV softball team powers through seven-game win streak
By Joe Petz, The Hometown Current
Jun. 25, 2023 7:57 pm
A six-game winning streak, followed by a seven-game winning streak. Fourteen wins in their last 17 games.
English Valleys’ softball team has been on a roll this month, improving their overall record to 15-6 and South Iowa Cedar League mark to 11-4.
IOWA VALLEY
Coach Steve Hester’s Bears beat the Tigers for the second time this season Friday, June 23, at North English, 7-1.
Junior Kennedy Axmear led EV with her arm and bat, pitching a complete game, five-strikeout, three-hitter and going 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBI.
Delaney Hall and Addy Westfall each had two hits and between them scored five runs. One of Hall’s hits was a solo homer and the junior leadoff hitter was surprised the ball left the park, uncertain as to what had happened when she stopped running between first and second base and looked back to her coach for help, receiving the round the bases signal which brought on a huge smile as she proceeded home to be greeted by her happy teammates.
Taylor Mikesell, Imigyn Stratton and Ada Mews added base hits, with Mikesell driving in two runs and Stratton one.
SIGOURNEY
The Bears fell victims a second time this season to another dominating pitching performance by Lady Savages’ ace Carly Goodwin in an 8-0 loss Wednesday, June 21, at North English.
Goodwin no-hit EV with 17 strikeouts. The Bears’ lone base runner was Hall on a walk. Back on May 26, Goodwin threw a perfect game against EV, retiring all 21 batters she faced, 17 by strikeouts.
BELLE PLAINE
Axmear had a big night in the circle and at the plate, leading the Bears to a five-inning, 11-1 win over the Lady Plainsmen Monday, June 19, at Belle Plaine.
At the plate, Axmear slugged two home runs — her eighth and ninth of the season — and had six RBI, and in the circle she held the hosts to one hit and struck out 11.
Freshman Addison Achenbach complimented Axmear’s power with two triples, Westfall went 3-for-4 with a double, three runs scored and one RBI, Hall and Mews also doubled and Mikesell singled to drive in a run.
TOURNEY TIME
English Valleys has two regular season games remaining this week before beginning postseason play. The Bears received a first-round bye and will face either Tri-County or Hillcrest Academy in the Class 1A Region 5 semifinals Wednesday, July 5, at North English.