Hillcrest Ravens Softball Update
The Hillcrest Ravens softball team hosted SEISC rival Highland Huskies in their home opener last Tuesday night in a varsity double-header. Junior pitcher Leah Bontrager led the Ravens inside the circle in Game 1, but faced a determined Highland offense by putting pressure on the Raven defense early on putting up 8 runs in the first inning. Highland outscores Hillcrest 14 to 0. Hillcrest Senior Madeline Fox made the most of her debut for the Ravens collecting 2 hits on 2 at bats. Senior 3rd basemen Sarah Miller also added a hit. Leah finished with 3 strikeouts.
In the nightcap, Highland continued its offensive pressure with a 7 run second inning that led to another win 13-1. Junior centerfielder Esther Hughes provided the offensive punch for Hillcrest with 2 doubles. Junior Evelyn Gerber added a hit and a run scored off of fielder’s choice from Sarah Miller to get the Ravens on the board. Leah Bontrager added 2 strikeouts on the season in the loss.
The Ravens then travelled to another Southeast Iowa Super Conference rival, Lone-Tree on Friday night in a cold night for softball. Hillcrest started strong defensively and led by Leah Bontrager on the mound in the first inning vs. the Lions holding them from scoring. However, Lone Tree continued to find a way in the bottom half of the second inning which included some good breaks from namely a reverse call at first base which would have been a 3rd out limiting their scoring. However, the then safe call at first allowed the inning to extend and give the Lions another needed break. Lone Tree wins 12-0. Esther Hughes and Evelyn Gerber each collected another hit for Hillcrest as they both lead the team in hitting early on in the season.
Madeline Fox
For the week to come, Hillcrest will travel to Mediapolis on Thursday evening, June 3rd, with Junior Varsity game action beginning at 5:30 pm followed by the Varsity game. On Friday, June 4th, Hillcrest will be back at home hosting the Panthers of Pekin in another SEISC conference game.