Coach Emily Ulve was not overly concerned that the Albert Lea 18-and-under fast-pitch softball team lost.

Friday, July 20, 2001

Coach Emily Ulve was not overly concerned that the Albert Lea 18-and-under fast-pitch softball team lost.

Simply finishing was a feat in itself.

In sweltering heat, the locals refused to fold despite trailing by as many as 10 runs in a 20-17 loss to Glenville-Emmons at Hammer Field.

&uot;Overall, I’m proud of how the girls didn’t give up,&uot; said Ulve. &uot;It was such a long game, it was very hot, but the girls just kept pushing the whole game.&uot;

The game took about three hours and, because of the length, game two of the scheduled doubleheader was canceled.

Leading the way on offense for Albert Lea were Amy Madsen with three hits and Leah Boyer with two. Rachel Chapek and Laura Jackson tripled. Jenny Hovendick hit a double.

Therese Paczkowski pitched another complete game for the locals, registering three strikeouts.

Turning in outstanding defensive plays were Hovendick at shortstop and Erin Claussen in right field.

The 18-and-under team finishes the regular season Thursday with a 6 p.m. doubleheader against Hayfield/Brownsdale at Brownsdale Elementary School.