Ravens Softball Update

Hillcrest Academy hosted Wapello on June 29^th.  The game was scoreless until the top half of the third when Wapello broke through after a lead-off single and a couple of stolen bases led the runner to 3^rd base with less than two outs.  A sacrifice fly out to center field allowed the runner to score and give the early lead to Wapello.  Hillcrest would respond in the bottom half of the same inning, when Sophomore centerfielder Esther Hughes came to the plate following two quick outs.  She would drive the first pitch fastball over the right field fence for a solo homerun, Esther’s first of her career.  It would remain tied at 1 until the bottom half of the 4^th inning, when Sarah Miller started it off with a lead-off double to left-center field.  Sarena Gerber came in as pinch runner and then advanced on a passed ball by the catcher.  Junior Meredith Blossom then singled to right field, scoring Sarena Gerber and giving Hillcrest the lead 2-1.  Wapello would respond in the top half of the 5^th inning however, when a one-out double scored a Wapello run.  After a scoreless 6^th inning for both teams, it was still tied 2-2 going into the 7^th.  The Wapello offense put pressure on Hillcrest in the top half of the inning, breaking through with 4 runs on 3 hits after getting the leadoff runner on base following a strikeout and then passed ball allowing the runner to reach base safely.  Hillcrest was not done yet, when in the bottom half 7^th inning, Leah Bontrager reached base by a hit-by-pitch to lead off the inning and later scored on a fielder’s choice from Evelyn Gerber.  Esther Hughes then lined out to the shortstop and Wapello was able to double-off Gerber at 1^st to seal the 6-3 hard fought victory.  Leah Bontrager finished the contest with 7 strikeouts, 7 hits allowed, and 3 earned runs. 

Hillcrest traveled to Winfield on June 30^th facing one of the top pitchers in the region and Conference in Maddie Anderson from Winfield.  Leah Bontrager was on the mound for Hillcrest and the defense behind her kept it close and in striking distance throughout much of the game, but Winfield mustered just enough run support behind a stifling performance by Anderson from the mound to seal the 6-0 victory for the Wolves.  Leah Bontrager finished the game with 1 strikeout, allowing 2 walks, and only allowing 2 earned runs for Hillcrest.

Hillcrest was on the road again at Columbus this time to face-off with another Southeast Iowa Super Conference North division opponent. The Wildcats put the pressure on early and often, offensively drawing off some defensive miscues by Hillcrest and gaining a 7-0 advantage through 4 innings.  They were able to break through and end the game in 5 as Columbus scored another 3 runs to win 10-0.  Junior catcher for Hillcrest, Yani Gutierrez had two hits in the game with Mia Graber and Sarah Miller each grabbing a hit.  Leah Bontrager ended the game with 5 strikeouts, on 2 walks, and only allowing 4 earned runs.

The final home game of the regular season is Friday, July 10^th vs. a South Iowa Cedar conference opponent in Montezuma.  Game time is 7 pm.  We are thankful for your support and look forward to seeing you Friday night.  Go Ravens!