Vikings split with Green Devils to end regular season

Published 1:40 pm Saturday, July 2, 2016

Northwood-Kensett softball aimed to finish the regular season strong.

It entered Friday’s doubleheader with Osage on a five-game losing streak, but wanted to build some late season momentum.

The Vikings were able to earn a split, falling 9-3 in the first game, but bouncing back to win the second game 10-9.

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Dusti Bratrud got the start for the Vikings in the first game, and she and her teammates were on their game right from the first pitch.

The Vikings scored five runs in the first inning before losing the lead in the third inning when the Green Devils scored five runs to go from down 6-2 to up 7-6.

The Vikings added two runs each in the fourth and fifth inning to take back the lead at 10-7. The Green Devils responded with two runs in the sixth inning, but Bratrud regained her composure and shut them down in the seventh inning to give the Vikings the victory.

The Vikings offense was led by Shelby Low, who had two hits, scored two runs and drove in a run. Jocelyn Kluender also collected two hits for the Vikings. Paige Oleson also had two hits and drove in two runs.

Low was named the starting pitcher in the second game, and was cruising along until the fifth inning came around.

The Vikings held a slim 2-1 lead heading into the inning, but when the inning was over, the Green Devils were up 7-2.

Osage scored six runs in the inning, and that big inning propelled it to the win.

Low pitched a complete game, and allowed eighth hits and struck out seven.

Oleson was good at the plate, again, as she collected three hits and scored two runs.

The Vikings ended the regular with a record of 10-15, which is the most wins in school history for softball.

Northwood-Kensett will host West Hancock in playoff softball Tuesday.

First pitch is slated for 7 p.m.