Strong bats get EV in win column

English Valleys’ softball picked up its first two wins of the season this week, starting with a 15-4 win over Belle Plaine Monday in Belle Plaine.

Taylor Mikesell had a big game at the plate, racking up seven of the team’s 10 RBIs.

Kaylynn Caster pitched all four innings.

Caster has become the team’s primary pitcher this season, after Kennedy Axmear, who pitched every inning for the Bears last season, graduated.

Belle Plaine had four hits in the game, led by Taylor Johnson with two.

The offensive production continued into Wednesday for the Bears, who topped Colfax-Mingo 17-7 at home.

Ava Gehrking had a big night at the plate with three hits and six RBIs.

Four players had two RBIs apiece.

Here is a look at a few other area softball highlights on the week.

Plotz throws 13 strikeouts

VINTON— Williamsburg’s Braylee Plotz threw 13 strikeouts in game two of a double-header against Vinton-Shellsburg Monday.

Plotz only allowed three hits in six innings as the Raiders won both games by scores of 8-0 and 13-1.

Bravettes rally late to win

BELLE PLAINE— In what became a crazy back-and-forth, Montezuma prevailed 13-12 over Belle Plaine Wednesday.

The Plainsmen took a 11-7 lead heading into the seventh, after a nine-run sixth.

The Bravettes responded with six of their own in the top of seventh.

Mya Smothers led the charge offensively with two hits and three RBIs.

Leah Urfer pitched all seven innings on the mound.

BGM wins back-to-back

BROOKLYN— An eight-run fifth inning proved to be the difference for BGM in a 14-6 win over English Valleys Thursday.

The bats were rolling for the Bears as they totaled 16 hits.

Mya Beck led the way with three hits (two doubles) and three RBIs.

The following day at Montezuma, the Bears prevailed 5-3.

Cara Arment pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts.