ARMA — Yates Center High took a split in a highly anticipated softball showdown Tuesday at Northeast.
The Wildcats went into extra innings in the opener before plating three in the top of the 10th to win, 6-3, and thus handing the Vikings their first loss of the 2022 season.
But the thrill of victory may have led to a letdown in the nightcap.
“We just seemed to not have any steam left,” head coach Abbie Collins said as Northeast took control with a 9-2 victory.
Tuesday’s opener was knotted at 3-3 entering the 10th inning, when international rules dictated the inning start with a runner on second.
Morgan Collins took full advantage, driving home Molly Proper with a double. A domino effect followed. Allie Chrisman made it 5-3 with another double, and Callyn Miller’s single was the final salvo.
“It was a great win,” Coach Collins said. “I was proud of how the girls battled. Northeast is a good team.”
Morgan Collins pitched a complete game, giving up five hits and two earned runs with 15 strikeouts. At the plate, she had three doubles and two RBIs. Chrisman followed with two RBIs. Molly Proper doubled twice, Hannah Jones had a single and Miller an RBI.
“Morgan pitched a great game,” Coach Collins said.
Proper saw her pitching night end after being hit by a line drive in the third inning. Up to then, she had given up four hits. Morgan Collins came on in relief, giving up four hits with four strikeouts.
Jones, Proper, Chrisman, Addie Solander and Lauren McConaghie each had a hit. Chrisman had two RBIs.
The split puts Yates Center at 11-3 with a doubleheader against Crest next on the calendar Thursday.
