At times, there was excellent defense by the Albert Lea Eagles 18-and-under girls’ fast-pitch softball team.

Friday, June 29, 2001

At times, there was excellent defense by the Albert Lea Eagles 18-and-under girls’ fast-pitch softball team. Other times there was outstanding offense. They just didn’t happen at the same time.

The result was a pair of doubleheader losses, 3-0 and 16-1 to Northfield on Tuesday and 11-8 and 14-2 to Byron on Wednesday.

&uot;We had too many errors in both of the second games,&uot; said coach Emily Ulve. &uot;We’re looking better, but we need to have our bats going and solid defense at the same time.&uot;

The gloves were working in the first game against Northfield but the locals had only one hit, by Ashley Chrz. Therese Paczkowski pitched, walking two and striking out one. Ulve said Chrz, Jenny Hovendick and Mandy Schroeder played great defense.

Too many errors and unearned runs led to defeat in game two. Hovendick had a hit and a stolen base. Paczkowski, Stacie Thisius and Chrz pitched.

The bats were working in the opener against Byron, but errors hurt as the visitors came from behind to win in the final inning. Vanessa Storlie had three hits, including a triple, while Hovendick had three hits and a stolen base. Chrz, Schroeder and Jana Ashling had two hits apiece. Paczkowski went the distance on the mound, striking out three while walking five. Hovendick and Schroeder played well defensively.

Hovendick and Schroeder both had two hits and a double in the second game, which was called after three innings because of darkness. Elise Austad doubled, Chrz singled. Thisius, Chrz and Paczkowski pitched.

The locals return to action Tuesday, July 10 with a 6 p.m. doubleheader at Blooming Prairie.