Waldorf gets DH sweep on Senior Day
FOREST CITY, Iowa - The Waldorf softball team recorded their first doubleheader sweep of the season as they defeated Viterbo by scores of 7-0 and 6-3 on Senior Day.
It was an emotional day for Waldorf. Before the game, the team honored teammate Gwen Hovorka who passed away from leukemia last fall. Both Waldorf and Viterbo wore orange ribbons to support those battling from cancer and leukemia.
McKenna Mentink did her best in the circle to honor her teammate on Senior Day. Mentink was masterful, pitching a complete game shutout, allowing only three hits. The Warriors offense gave Mentink all the run support she would need with a three-run second inning. Madison Clark started the inning a home run to deep center. Paige Pierson and Timber Oakes followed with singles. A Brooke Hickey single brought them both in and give Waldorf a 3-0 lead. Waldorf added three more in the fourth. Gabby Bierly singled to lead off the inning. Hickey delivered another big hit with a two-run home run to right. The Warriors later loaded the bases. Pierson drew a walk to bring in another run and give Waldorf a 6-0 lead. Waldorf added another run in the sixth to give the game its final score of 7-0. Hickey reached base on all four plate appearances and drove in four runs. Clark and Pierson each had two hits.
The second game turned into a tight affair. Waldorf countered Viterbo's run in the top of the second with a run in their half of the frame. Clark and Maddie Dalke each walked. A Kierra Lynn Schulz sacrifice bunt advanced them to second and third, respectively. A Pierson sacrifice fly brought in pinch runner Timber Oakes to tie the game. The score remained that way until the fifth. A Hickey walk and singles from Kaela Eslinger and Haley Ehlert loaded the bases. Clark delivered another big hit with a double to center to score two. Dalke followed with a sacrifice fly to score another and give Waldorf a 4-1 lead. Viterbo pulled within one with a two-run home run in the top of the sixth. Waldorf countered with a two-run home run of their own in the bottom half of the inning. Bierly singled with another Hickey two-run shot to give Waldorf a 6-3 lead. Dalke easily retired Viterbo in the seventh to preserve the win.
Waldorf (7-27, 6-15 in NSAA) returns to the diamond Monday for another home doubleheader with Viterbo starting at 4 p.m.