By Grant Barrett, Ad Astra Radio
BUHLER, Kan. – In a cold and windy season opener on Thursday, the bats were sizzling for the McPherson High Softball team, pulling away in the fourth inning, scoring 11-runs in the inning to defeat the Buhler Crusaders 17-0.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Addison Chapman would line a bases-clearing double, which was part of a five-run second inning. Chapman was 3 for 4 at the plate, finishing with five RBI’s. In the circle, she was just as stellar, allowing just one hit, while striking out seven. “Her speed has definitely improved since last year,” said Head Coach Danica Fitzmorris was pleased with her sophomore pitcher following the game, saying. “She’s been working really hard in the off-season, and it’s showing with her speed.” Fitzmorris mentioned the work that still needs to be done, but she was proud of her performance in the circle.
The Pups collected 14 hits, batting .519 as a team. Karter Alvord, Reanna Eilrich, Addison Chapman and Cora Pavlovich all collected doubles, the Sophomore third baseman, Pavlovich went 4 for 4, and also recorded five RBI’s. Fitzmorris reflected on the amount of time spent hitting inside, and seeing the results in the win, saying, “Having cold weather in softball is not optimal, but being able to hit inside as much as we have, paid off tonight.” She said, “We have some really powerful kids, and as long as they have a pitcher that they’re capable of hitting, they will definitely field some offense for us.”
“Their running is pretty outstanding too.” Fitzmorris explained her team speed like “jackrabbits”, saying “We’ve got a lot of fast kids which is fun.” Chapman, Chloe Clevenger, and Kelcy Bergstrom came up with stolen bases in the win.
Coach Fitzmorris talked about a couple of instances where she admitted being too excited on the base paths as the third base coach, giving examples of being called out trying to reach the extra base.
Overall she was proud of her team, and expects the team to begin to build confidence moving forward, she said, “Usually we start our season off with an Andale or an Augusta. That makes it a little tough because you’ve really got to be ready, and when you come off of a basketball season where you’re missing three or four of your infielders, and you have them for six practices, that makes you a little nervous.”
Following the win, the Bullpup Softball team begins the season 1-0. They will return to action Tuesday, testing themselves in a triangular in Manhattan, which will include Great Bend. McPherson will play Great Bend at 5 p.m.; and will conclude the evening by taking on Manhattan, at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Batting:
A. Chapman 3-4, 5 RBIs 3R
K. Bergstrom 0-3, RBI, BB
K. Alvord 2-3 RBI, 2BB, 2R
H. Hagemann 1-2, RBI, 2 BB, 2R
R. EIlrich 3-4, 3 RBIs, 2R
Al. Romero 2-3, 2 BB, 3R
C. Pavlovich 4-4 5 RBIs 2R
O. Cheatham 1-3, BB, 1R
C. Clevenger 0-2, RBI, BB
Pitching:
A. Chapman 4.0 IP, 1H, 2BB, 7SO
