The Boone Central softball team saw it 2009 season delayed when a scheduled triangular at Schuyler August 27 was called off due to wet fields.
That meant the Cardinals went into Saturday’s competitive Fillmore Central Invitational somewhat behind the other teams in the event, which likely played a part in their 0-3 performance at Geneva.
“We knew going into this tournament that we would meet some very tough competition, so I was extremely proud of how the girls performed,” commented Boone Central Coach Cassie Olson. “This was our first action, so the girls didn’t have the advantage of having a game under their belts.
“Our defense showed it’s stuff throughout the day. Although we had a few errors and have some things to work on, I was thrilled with our overall fielding and communication.
“We will continue to work on our offensive production, but I see much promise in our bats for the rest of the season,” Olson added. “This team is special – they have heart, were always respectful and gave 110% all day on the field as well as being supportive in the dugout.
“What more could a coach ask for?”
Boone Central opened the Saturday event with a 2-0 loss to the host Lady Panthers of Fillmore Central.
Senior Melissa Berger had a strong debut on the mound, striking out 10 in six innings, but took the loss when Fillmore Central scored the game’s only two runs in the third.
The Cardinals were stymied by outstanding Panther pitching. Just two BC batters reached base and neither advanced past first.
The Cardinals got off to a strong start in their second contest of the day and were tied with traditionally strong Twin River until the Titans caught fire in the late innings and scored a 10-2 victory.
McKenzie Mescher doubled home Savannah Baker for Boone Central’s first run of the season in the opening inning and the Cards took a 2-1 lead when Mescher scored on a fielder’s choice.
Twin River evened the score with a run in the third and took a 5-2 advantage with three in the fourth. The Titans wrapped up the contest in a decisive fifth frame, scoring five additional runs while Boone Central stranded three baserunners.
Katie Zaruba took the loss, pitching four innings.
Boone Central’s day ended with another nailbiter as Thayer Central nipped the Cards 2-1.
BC again started strong, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Mescher singled and came home on Lindsay Temme’s double.
Thayer Central tied the score on Melissa Bulm’s second-inning home run and the game remained knotted until the sixth when Thayer pushed across the winning run on a walk, single and passed ball. Boone Central’s Kenzie Pelster reached second base in the seventh with one out, but was stranded there.
Gina Nelson took the loss despite a strong complete-game performance, allowing just four hits and fanning eight.
The Cardinals have a busy week to open September. Boone Central was scheduled to play at David City Tuesday, travels to North Bend Thursday, then hosts the annual Boone Central Invitational Saturday at the Albion Sports Complex (10 a.m.).
BC Softball Team Opens In ‘Tough’ Tourney
