Northwest Softball Rallies Back vs Skutt, Falls vs Beatrice on Saturday

(Grand Island, NE) - It came down to the wire on Saturday in the opening games of the season for the black and gold at Veterans Athletic Complex, as Northwest grabbed the victory in walk-off fashion, 6-5, over Skutt Catholic. Northwest was down 5-4 in the bottom of the seventh inning when Naleah Baier doubled, scoring two runs.

Skutt Catholic opened the scoring in the top of the fourth thanks to two singles. Skutt Catholic first got on the board when Madeline Schmaderer singled, scoring one run.

Northwest took the lead, 4-3, in the bottom of the fifth when Alexis Glaze singled, scoring two runs; Karstyn Zuelow grounded out, scoring one run; and Baier singled, scoring one run.

Skutt Catholic captured the lead, 5-4, in the top of the seventh after Reece Barry singled to center field, and Leyton Michaelis singled to center field, each scoring one run.

Graclyn Simmons earned the win for the Vikings. The starter surrendered eight hits and five runs over seven innings, striking out eight and walking four. Cassidy Jessen took the loss for Skutt Catholic. The right-handed pitcher went three innings, surrendering three runs on zero hits, striking out three and walking two.

Baier went 2-for-4 at the plate and led the team with three runs batted in.

Isa Torrez led Skutt Catholic with two runs batted in from the number seven spot in the lineup. The pitcher went 1-for-3 on the day. Michaelis went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Skutt Catholic in hits. Skutt Catholic was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Olivia Lynch made the most plays, with seven. 

In game two of the day. Northwest couldn't keep up with Beatrice and fell 12-3 on Saturday at Veterans Field Softball Complex.

Northwest opened the scoring in the first after an error scored one run.

Amie Forke grounded out, which helped Beatrice tie the game at one in the top of the second.

Beatrice captured the lead, 5-1, in the top of the third when Tatum Tempelmeyer homered to left field, scoring two runs; Tana Antons hit a solo home run to center field; and Forke was struck by a pitch, driving in a run.

Josilyn Peiper earned the win for Beatrice. The starting pitcher surrendered eight hits and three runs (two earned) over five innings, striking out two and walking none. Payton Smith took the loss for Northwest Varsity Vikings. The pitcher went one inning, allowing four runs on two hits, striking out none and walking two. Allison Deida stepped in the circle first for Northwest Varsity Vikings. The hurler gave up three hits and three runs over two innings, striking out none and walking two.

Graclyn Simmons led Northwest with one run batted in. The cleanup hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Simmons and Abby Dinkelman each collected two hits for Northwest Varsity Vikings. Northwest turned two double plays in the game. Northwestdidn't commit a single error in the field. Dinkelman had the most chances in the field with five.

Beatrice tallied 11 hits in the game. Tempelmeyer, Antons, and Haylee Epp each collected three hits for Beatrice. Tempelmeyer went 3-for-4 at the plate and led the team with four runs batted in. Baylor Barnard paced Beatrice with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, piling up seven walks for the game.

Northwest will next play at home on Tuesday against Saint Cecilia Bluehawks in their next game.