Season ends for Iola-Scandinavia softball team

By Greg Seubert

For the third time in three years, Shiocton ended Iola-Scandinavia’s softball season.

The Chiefs took a 2-0 lead after the game’s first two pitches and held on for a 9-6 win over the Thunderbirds May 27 in a WIAA Division 3 regional semifinal.

Carmen McCarthy’s two-run home run on the second pitch of the game gave the Chiefs an early 2-0 lead after Sydney Wilcox had singled on the first pitch.

Kylie Johnson put the Thunderbirds on the board with a solo home run over the left-field fence in the third inning to cut the score in half.

The T-Birds took the lead with four runs in the fourth. Kaylin Ellioff and Johnson singled, Jayden Podgorny drew a two-out walk to load the bases for Brooke Phillips, who hit a 2-2 pitch over the left-field fence for a grand slam and a 5-2 lead.

The lead didn’t last long, however, as Shiocton responded with five runs in the fifth inning and two in the sixth to take the lead for good. The T-Birds added a run in the seventh.

Phillips had four hits and drove in four runs, while Johnson and Brianne Huettner added two hits.

Kendall Johnson pitched the first 5 1/3 innings and Huettner pitched the final 1 2/3 innings. Johnson allowed 15 hits, two walks with no strikeouts, while Huettner allowed no hits or walks and no strikeouts.

“It’s always tough to end a season and find the right words to express your thoughts,” coach Tom Anderson said. “I always like to thank the players and their families for the commitment they give to the program. I also would like to thank the students and community members for their support and attendance at our games.

“My other thoughts go to the five seniors: Jessica Faldet, Brianne Huettner, Kylie Johnson, Jane Oligney and Brooke Phillips,” he added. “The success they have had on the softball field has been incredible, but more importantly, they’ve grown into fine young women and are definitely ready to move onto the next challenges they will face in life. Their parents, families, friends and teachers have given them a great foundation to move on in life.”