(Missouri Valley, IA) — It was supposed to be a close game between the two best softball teams in the Western Iowa Conference but Missouri Valley made it a one sided affair with a 8-0 win in 5 innings over Riverside.
The Bulldogs came into the game with a one game lead over the Lady Reds and Treynor for first place in the WIC. However, it was Mo Valley who jumped on Riverside starter Peyton Schafer in the bottom of the first inning — Dilynn Meade led off with a single up the middle and after fouling off a bunch of pitches Audrie Kohl powered one over the left field fence for her 8th home run of the season. The Reds were not done — Grace Herman singled and stole 2nd. One out later, Paitlyn West singled and Emerson Anderson scored Herman with a sac fly. Ty Stirtz then drove one in the gap for a RBI double and it capped a 4 run inning.
Missouri Valley added 2 more in the 2nd on a RBI triple from Meade and a RBI grounder from Kohl. Schafer did not give up a hit in the 3rd but walked Claire Myler to start the 4th, Meade reached on an infield single and Kohl walked to load the bases. Herman bounced one back to Schafer who got the force at home but Kailyn Evans found the gap for a 2 run single and it was 8-0 Lady Reds.
Kohl, meanwhile, only allowed two Riverside hits — a 2 out single from Madison Kelley in the first and a leadoff double from Adaline Martens in the 2nd. Kohl would not walk anybody, hit one batter and struck out 6 to get the win. It was the 10th shutout of the year for Kohl that includes two no-hitters.
With the win, Missouri Valley and Riverside are now tied for first in the Western Iowa Conference and Treynor is a half game back. The Lady Reds still have games with Exira EHK Audubon and Logan Magnolia. The Bulldogs will play AHSTW and IKM Manning. The Cardinals have to complete their game with AHSTW and face Tri Center and Underwood.
Line Score
Riverside (14-3, 12-2) — 0 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 3 LOB
Missouri Valley (23-4, 12-2) — 8 runs, 9 hits, 0 errors, 4 LOB
Win — Audrie Kohl (20-3)
Loss — Peyton Schafer (14-3)
Time: 1:04
