U-16 softball girls finish with a win

Published 12:00 am Saturday, August 28, 2004

The Albert Lea 16-and-under girls’ fast-pitch softball team ended the summer season with a whopping 29-9 win over Wanamingo.

Both teams agreed to play one seven-inning game instead of the usual doubleheader. Wanamingo had an 8-3 lead as the Albert Lea team came up to bat in the second inning, as their ninth player arrived at the game. It was typical for the season, as many games were played with eight players.

But it was all Albert Lea after that.

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Kelly Royce had three singles, a triple and scored four runs. Claire Paczkowski had two singles and scored two runs. Dez Jacobs had two singles, seven stolen bases, and scored four runs. Chelsea Barrett had one single, six stolen bases, and scored four runs. Jen Neumann had one single, six stolen bases, and scored four runs. Evin Sather had one triple and scored two runs. Shelby Vietze had one single and scored three runs. Tatum Roberts had one single and scored two runs. Alyssa Paulson scored four runs.

The team was nearly errorless on defense and was very aggressive on offense.

Barrett pitched the first two innings, striking out three batters. Jacobs finished the last five innings and struck out six.

The team consisted of players from the varsity, junior varsity, ninth-grade and eighth-grade squads. They played together well as a team and players got the opportunity to play a variety of positions. The team was busy with other activities such as soccer, marching band, hockey and basketball so it was always a challenge to have a full team for their doubleheaders.

Highlights of the year included: Royce’s spectacular catches out in center field; Roberts’ great defensive game against Lyle/Pacelli, when she had four putouts at third base in the first game and six unassisted putouts at first base in the second game; Jacobs’ throw with the bases loaded from right field to the catcher, who threw to first base for a double play; and Barrett making two unassisted double plays in one game.

Other members of the team were: Kat Ladwig, Marissa Cottrell, Jaclyn Rehmke, April Balsey and Stacie Thisius. The team was coached by Dan Paczkowski and assisted by Leah Boyer, Therese Paczkowski, and Jess Hanson.