Season opener ends in loss for Lady Toppers

By Kelsie Hoitomt

PEPIN – The Glenwood City softball team was finally able to get on the field for their first game of the 2013 season on Tuesday, April 23 in Pepin against the Pepin/Alma Eagles. Due to a delayed season, the softball team played a double-header and will do so for the remaining games.

 The Eagles, who finished first in the Dunn-St. Croix Conference last season with a 15-1 record, crushed the Hilltoppers 19-0 and 20-3.

The Toppers had four batters reach base in the first game with Kenzie Kruse and Kelly Perkins each touching third base and Megan Samens and Leslie Ludtke each with singles as well.

The second game went better at the plate for the Hilltoppers with Hannah Ludtke, Bailey Britton and Taylor Brittain each scoring runs late in the game. Kruse was walked and Nikki Gabbert hit a single for the RBI.

The Eagles however played their best ball in the last inning of the final game with nine runs scored to seal their victory.

On the mound for the Hilltoppers was Leslie Ludtke. She struck out seven batters and allowed 15 walks between the two games.

The Eagles had three pitchers on the mound with Brianna Ellison leading the team with 16 strikeouts. Also sharing the mound were Ally Murray and Emily Kircher.

“The girls stepped on the field for the first time this season with only 15 minutes to warm-up and it showed in our defensive play. Too many walks as well, but first time on the rubber also and Pepin has a great team of hitters,” explained head coach Matthew Schutz.

GAME 1

Glenwood City 0 0 0 0 0

Pepin/Alma 3 2 2 6 6

GAME 2

Glenwood City 0 0 0 0 3

Pepin/Alma 1 5 5 9 0