Washington Evening Journal
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Warrior softball avenges losses to North Mahaska, Montezuma
By Joe Petz, The Hometown Current
Jun. 25, 2023 8:06 pm
Winning three of four games last week, HLV’s softball team avenged two earlier season losses and improved their record to 10-7.
The Warriors beat North Mahaska 9-6 Monday, June 19, at Victor, paying back the Warhawks for a 15-1 drubbing May 24 at New Sharon.
HLV pitcher Hailey Jack worked a complete game, scattering eight hits over seven innings, walking six and striking out six.
Jack was supported offensively with six hits, including two each by Mckenzie Kempf, Ema Roberts and Ralene Hawkins. One of Kempf’s hits was a solo home run, and Roberts doubled to drive in two runs.
Hawkins also doubled and she, Kempf and Addy Shaull, who walked twice, scored two runs apiece.
The Warriors shut out Montezuma 2-0 on the road Wednesday, June 21, getting revenge for a 9-0 loss May 26 at Victor.
Jack dominated in the circle, holding the Braves to one hit and striking out 11. She helped herself at the plate with an RBI single.
Kempf homered for the second time in three games, and Roberts tripled and scored a run.
10-RUN THE TROJANS
In addition to those wins, HLV shut out South Tama 16-0 in three innings Tuesday, June 20, at Victor.
Jack and Nicole Gensley combined to pitch a two-hitter for the Warriors, striking out seven.
Hawkins led the way at the plate with a pair of base hits and three RBI. Roberts added two hits and scored three runs, Kempf and Shaull each contributed one hit and two RBI, and Kyla Roberts doubled to drive in a run.
COLFAX-MINGO
The only blemish for HLV last week was a 13-0 loss to the Tigerhawks Thursday, June 22, at Colfax.
Ema Roberts had the Warriors’ only hit — a double, while the Tigerhawks feasted on HLV pitching for 11 hits.
Colfax-Mingo also won the first meeting between the two teams, 28-10, May 30 at Victor.
TOURNEY TIME
With only two regular season games remaining, HLV has assured itself of no worse than a .500 record.
The Warriors open postseason play Friday, June 30, at Victor in a Class 1A Region 5 quarterfinal against Iowa Valley, a team they beat 8-5 a couple weeks ago. The winner advances to the semifinals Wednesday, July 5, at Brooklyn against BGM or Belle Plaine.