I-S girls score eight runs in first inning
By Holly Neumann
The Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds to beat the Manawa Wolves 17-3 in five innings in the first round of regional softball Tuesday, May 24 in Iola.
The T-Birds started the game off by going through their batting order 1.5 times in the first inning and scoring eight runs.
Jayden Podgorny and Sadie Schustek led the way with two hits each, while Kaylin Ellioff and Kendall Johnson each got one.
Iola-Scandinavia went through their batting order for the second time in the bottom of the third inning and added another five runs to the board, putting the T-Birds up 13-0.
With runners on second and third bases, Ellioff brought in a run, followed by Brooklyn Podgorny stealing home plate on an over-thrown ball. Lexi Hitchcock hit the ball down the first-base line to bring in three runs.
Manawa scored its first runs in the fourth inning. Lesley Wilz, Haley Reierson, McKenzie Zielke and Morgyn Zielke each hit doubles and brought in three runs for the Wolves.
I-S continued their scoring drive with four more runs in the bottom of the fourth, putting the T-Birds up 17-3.
With the Wolves unable to score in the top of the fifth, Iola-Scandinavia came away with the win, due to the 10-run rule.
Manawa ends their season with a record of 11-14 overall. Concluding their high school careers for the Wolves are Kassie Dunnihoo and McKenzie Zielke.
Iola-Scandinavia will travel to Stevens Point Wednesday, May 25 to take on the Pacelli Cardinals for the second round of regional play.