Bison softball girls down Stars, but go 1-2 at Holdrege

HOLDREGE, Neb. — Senior Brittni Kinner's home run ignited a 10-2 start and McCook High's softball girls held off Kearney Catholic, 10-9, at the Holdrege Invitational on Saturday.

More details will appear in Tuesday's Gazette.

The Bison (2-4 record) saw senior Lainey Schmidt and sophomore Paige Bortner both blast home three runs besides Kinne's HR clout.

Seniors Natalie Roberts and Abbie Johnson also scored two runs apiece with another two hits from Roslyn Wiemers.

It was just enough to survive Kearney Catholic's seven-run fourth inning.

The Stars caught fire with six unearned runs against Bison sophomore pitcher Danika Havlicek.

However, Havlicek completed her second win this season. She allowed just four hits and three earned runs after beating Omaha Gross last week.

Sophomore Malia Hilker joined Bortner in belting doubles for the Bison attack. Senior Kennedy Walter also scored a crucial run.

Unfortunately, McCook dropped its other two Holdrege Invite games. Coach Jason Cochran's team lost 12-3 to St. Paul and a narrow 5-4 decision against Lexington.

McCook fell behind St. Paul, 6-0, but Kinne and Johnson both drove home teammates which started a brief comeback.

Bortner and Hilker both delivered one hit en route to scoring a run.

Yet the Wildcats piled on another six runs which helped finish this tourney semifinal victory.

Again, six runs against Bison senior pitcher Reigan Bethell were unearned. The Bison will want to tighten a defense charged with five errors.

Bethell worked three innings, striking out and permitting five St. Paul hits.

Sophomore Briley Morgan pitched 2 1/3 grames. She allowed four hits and three earned runs.

The 5-4 Lexington win featured McCook building another strong lead of 4-1.

Brother launched McCook's second home run of this tournament during her three-for-three hitting performance. She finished with two RBIs while scoring once.

Kinne collected another RBI while Hilker, Johnson and Havlicek all rounded the bases to runs.

However, Lexington overcame its own five errors and McCook playing error-free defense.

The Minutemaids plated four fifth-inning scores to earn their 5-4 victory.

Havlicek pitched another 4 2/3 innings where she allowed five earned runs and six hits.

Morgan worked one scoreless frame, fanning two 'Maids.

Schmdit, Hilker and junior Izzy Renner delivered singles in McCook's six-hit attack. The Bortner homer was that only Bison extra-base hit.

McCook now gets ready to host the Cozad Haymakers Tuesday evening. Varsity first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Jaycees Complex.