The hits were few for the Alden-Albert Lea Blackhawks U-16 softball team Wednesday night in Blooming Prairie, but the team was able to make the most of 11 walks issued by Blooming Prairie in a 4-2 win in the first game of a doubleheader.

Nikki Schultz delivered a two-run single in the seventh inning that helped ice the game and Lana Howe limited Blooming Prairie to just one hit.

Howe struck out 10 and gave up two unearned runs in the win.

Alden-Albert Lea tallied just two hits in the game.

In the second game the Blackhawks were tied 3-3 entering the sixth inning, but a leadoff walk was the difference in a 4-3, six-inning loss.

The leadoff walk reached third base after a stolen base and a sacrifice and was able to score on a passed ball which turned out to be the game-winning run.

Schultz, Krystle Nelson and Brooke Reyerson all had RBIs in the game.

The Blackhawks got some good news last week when they learned that they will play in the state tournament at the end of July in the Class D tournament.

Alden 4, Blooming Prairie 2, Game 1

Alden 010 100 2 — 4 2 2

Blooming Prairie 010 000 1 — 2 1 0

WP — Lana Howe 7 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 10 K, 2 BB

Blooming Prairie 4, Alden 3, Game 2

Blooming Prairie 111 001 — 4 5 2

Alden 111 000 — 3 6 4

WP — Anna Sorenson 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 5 K

LP — Lana Howe 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K