Northwest Softball Wins Battle With Gretna East, 3-2

(Gretna, NE)- Both teams were strong in the circle on Monday, but Northwest defeated  Gretna East 3-2. Graclyn Simmons started the game for Northwest and recorded 21 outs.

A solo home run to left field by Karstyn Zuelow following a 6-pitch at-bat put Northwest on the board in the top of the second.

Averi Bachman homered to center field, which helped  Gretna East tie the game at one in the bottom of the fifth.

A home run to center field by Becca Dinkelman gave Northwest the lead, 3-1, in the top of the sixth.

Simmons earned the win for Northwest. The starter surrendered five hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out eight and walking four. Brynlea Beyer took the loss for Gretna East Griffins. The starter went six innings, surrendering three runs on four hits, striking out 10 and walking one.

Dinkelman provided pop in the middle of the lineup and led Northwest with two runs batted in. The cleanup hitter went 1-for-3 on the day. Zuelow led Northwest with two hits in three at-bats. Northwest was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Zuelow made the most plays with nine.

Bachman led  Gretna East (18-4) with one run batted in. The left-handed hitter went 1-for-3 on the day. Amanda Weis led  Gretna East with two hits in three at-bats. 

Northwest (16-3) will now prepare for the Central Conference Tournament that is on tap for Thursday, October 1st. Action will depend on the next 48 hours, as rain is supposed to sweep through central Nebraska again, with significant rainfall likely.