SOFTBALL

Despite being swept by #7 Marian, 1-0, 6-2, the HU softball team made it clear they can hold their own against one of the nation’s best. Saturday afternoon proved some of Huntington’s best softball of the season.

It’s just the fourth time this season the Knights have been limited to less than two runs in a contest.

While it wasn’t the outcome Ehler and crew would have liked, Maddie Turner tossed a one-run dandy in the opener. The junior southpaw gave up eight hits and two walks while striking out three in the losing effort. Defensively the Foresters had the back of Turner, making plays to help get her out of a jam with runners in scoring position in five of the seven frames.

The game’s lone run came in the second on an RBI-groundout. While Huntington managed just three hits against arguably the best pitcher in the league, on two different occasions the Foresters stranded runners in scoring position.

There was a little more distance before the two teams in the nightcap. Both squads scored in the first frame with HU’s coming by way of Nigella Reck working a walk with bases loaded. The Knights went on to plate four more runs before the hosts got one back in the sixth when Jo Walker ripped a double into left center allowed Reck to breeze home after drawing her second base on balls.

Starting pitcher Emma Payton took the loss. She threw the first 2.1 innings and gave up eight hits and four runs.

The Foresters (13-19, 5-13) face another Top 20 team on Monday in #16 IWU. Opening pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m.