Ravens Softball Celebrates Senior Night!

Ravens Softball Celebrates Senior Night!

On Tuesday, June 23rd, the Ravens softball program recognized two seniors, Sarena Gerber and Mia Graber, prior to the game vs. Southeast Super Conference opponent Mediapolis.

This is Sarena’s first season playing softball at Hillcrest and Mia will earn her 5th varsity letter in softball after earning a varsity letter in the summer prior to entering her freshman year, which is allowed in Iowa High School softball and baseball.  We are grateful for the both of them and excited for this opportunity to participate and represent their school in this way one last time.  Hillcrest also recognized Seniors Ainsley Shaw and Isabel Canchola for their representation on the Hillcrest Track and Field team which unfortunately their season was cut short due to all spring sports being cancelled because of COVID-19. 

The Ravens then took on Mediapolis and couldn’t quite gain the momentum offensively after giving up some early runs eventually falling to the Bullettes 15-2.  However, Senior Mia Graber provided the spark offensively hitting two doubles and scoring Esther Hughes, who also finished with one hit.  Sophomore Norah Yoder also had a hit for the Ravens.  Leah Bontrager on the mound only allowed two walks while striking out six. 

Ravens then travelled to Pekin last Thursday in another North Division conference showdown against the Panthers.  Hillcrest got down early giving up 8 runs in the first three innings putting pressure on the offensive to respond.  Pekin’s pitcher, Kylie Davis, pitched 7 strong innings though to seal the win.  Mia Graber had the only hit for Hillcrest.  Sophomore hurler Leah Bontrager only allowed 3 earned runs, on one walk, while striking out two.  “I was encouraged by our response after giving up some early runs on a few defensive miscues.  Leah kept us in it and we came up with some big plays behind her later in the game.  We couldn’t quite figure out their pitcher though as she kept us off-balanced all night.”

The Ravens finished the week on the road again this time against a Super Conference South Division opponent in Holy Trinity, playing at West Point.  Junior third-baseman Sarah Miller provided the spark offensively for Hillcrest by gaining two hits, including a double.  Sophomore Esther Hughes generated the only score as she touches home after stealing second base and making Holy Trinity pay for the over-throw trying to get her out.  Junior Meredith Blossom rounded out the hits for Hillcrest with a single to left.  Leah Bontrager ended the game with a season high of 7 strikeouts for the Ravens. 

Hillcrest will host Wapello on Monday, June 29th, at 7 pm, then back on the road the next three days against Conference Leaders in Winfield Mt. Union on Tuesday and the 2nd ranked team in Class 2A at Louisa-Muscatine in a Wednesday matinee game.  The Ravens will finish the week at Columbus on Thursday.  Thank you for all of the support! 

Galen Graber, Ruth Brenneman, Mia Graber, Sarena Gerber, Nolan Gerber and Lori Gerber

Galen Graber, Ruth Brenneman, Mia Graber, Sarena Gerber, Nolan Gerber and Lori Gerber

Sarena, Nolan and Lori Gerber

Sarena, Nolan and Lori Gerber

Mia Graber, Galen Graber and Ruth Brenneman

Mia Graber, Galen Graber and Ruth Brenneman

Mia and Galen Graber

Mia and Galen Graber

Ainsley and Angie Shaw

Ainsley and Angie Shaw

Esther Hughes

Esther Hughes

Mia Graber

Mia Graber

Esther Hughes

Esther Hughes

Leah Bontrager

Leah Bontrager

Leah Bontrager and Sarah Miller

Leah Bontrager and Sarah Miller

Coaches Calli Shaw and Kent Blossom

Coaches Calli Shaw and Kent Blossom

Norah Yoder

Norah Yoder

Grace Miller

Grace Miller

Sarena Gerber

Sarena Gerber

Evelyn Gerber and Calli Shaw

Evelyn Gerber and Calli Shaw

Yani Gutierrez

Yani Gutierrez

Sarah Miller

Sarah Miller

Meredith Blossom

Meredith Blossom

Leah Bontrager and Norah Yoder

Leah Bontrager and Norah Yoder

Galen Graber, Ruth Brenneman, Mia Graber, Sarena Gerber, Nolan Gerber and Lori Gerber Sarena, Nolan and Lori Gerber Mia Graber, Galen Graber and Ruth Brenneman Mia and Galen Graber Ainsley and Angie Shaw Esther Hughes Mia Graber Esther Hughes Leah Bontrager Leah Bontrager and Sarah Miller Coaches Calli Shaw and Kent Blossom Norah Yoder Grace Miller Sarena Gerber Evelyn Gerber and Calli Shaw Yani Gutierrez Sarah Miller Meredith Blossom Leah Bontrager and Norah Yoder