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| Hope Kriegel takes a flip from catcher Breanna Price, but the Lynnville-Sully runner was safe at the plate. |
Bravettes lose but improve in varsity debut
July 2, 2008
SULLY - Take away a shaky start, and the Bravettes' first official venture into the world of varsity softball wasn't too bad.
Montezuma's softball team has played a junior varsity schedule all season, although the Bravettes have faced at least two varsity teams playing JV rules, which limit the number of runs per inning.
But Wednesday night, they became a varsity team - officially - for purposes of playing in the Class 1A District tournament.
Lynnville-Sully won 12-1 in five innings.
The first four Lynnville-Sully batters scored as the Hawks took a 5-0 first inning lead. The Bravettes were guilty of three errors, two passed balls an an illegal pitch during that rattled first inning. But things got better.
The Bravettes were designated as the home team, and Nikki Bass led off the bottom of the first with a hit in front of the right fielder, who misplayed it into a triple. The Bravettes didn't score, but their noise level and confidence soared after Bass' hit.
The Bravettes held Lynnville-Sully to one run in the second inning, then pitcher Hope Kriegel got all three batters in the third inning to bounce back to her.
Jessica Menary led off the fourth inning with a double down the left field line. She went to third on an infield out, and scored on Polly Bustos' single to right. Yvette Rivera singled and Olivia Tribby walked to load the bases, but the Bravettes were not able to score again.
A single by Menary and a fielder's choice put two runners on in the fifth, but again Montezuma was unable to dent the plate.
Lynnville-Sully scored three runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to bring the mercy rule into effect.
Kriegel threw out five runners, including one at the plate on a perfect throw to catcher Breanna Price. Kriegel pitched all five innings, allowing seven hits while walking two and striking out five.
Bass threw out three runners from shortstop as did Rivera from third base.
Price threw out a runner trying to steal second for the first time this season.
Menary had a two-for-three night at the plate, including the double. Also getting hits were Bass, Bustos and Rivera.
The Bravettes finished their season with a total of four victories.
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| Polly Bustos is retired at first base. | Nikki Bass heads towards third. |
NEXT UP - The Bravettes' season is complete.
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