The young Agate softball team earned a thrilling 20-16 “come from behind” win over McGregor last Thursday. The game did not start well and the Agates trailed into the fifth inning before they exploded for eight runs.
Junior Jocelyn Seagren led off with one of her two hits and scored on Maddie Carlson’s triple to start the inning. Jocelyn said, “We didn’t start very well, but we got stronger throughout the game and the enthusiasm in our dugout was evident in that big inning!”
Senior outfielder Maddie Carlson, who has been a strong hitter all year said, “we really turned up the intensity and it was exciting.” Sophomore Addy Bentler added two hits.
Senior outfielder McKenzie Highland was a key contributor as she coaxed three walks and scored three runs as well as making a key catch in right field.
Another senior, designated hitter, Ella Donahue, walked twice and was hit by a pitch twice more and scored three runs. “I have no idea why, but I have been hit quite a few times this year.” Defensively, junior first baseman Harper Powell made several big plays and freshman third baseman Belle Bolle turned in two spectacular stops.
Eighth grader Raegan Hogenson pitched the last five innings to earn the win.
Friday, the Agates celebrated Senior Night and Parent’s Night when they dropped a hard fought 16-13 game to Mesabi East. Eighth grader Lainee Anderson pitched four strong innings and once again, the Agates had a big inning scoring six runs in the sixth. Senior Casey Underdale had three hits and only a superb play by the Mesabi East first baseman with the Agates having the bases loaded, prevented her from getting her fourth.
Speaking as their coach, it is rewarding to see that every player on the team has shown dramatic improvement and our young pitchers continue to develop. There is a ton of potential. They are great young ladies, and I am very proud of them.
Monday, the Agates played a double header in Silver Bay. In their first game, they beat the Cook County Vikings 19-6 before being walloped by the Mariners 19-1 in their second game of the day. Freshman Lydia Lifto and Maddie Carlson each had a bases loaded triple to lead the Agates, and sophomore Marlee Hoganson added two hits.
Playoffs will open Tuesday, May 25th.
