The Mishicot Indians and Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers met for a third time this season in a WIAA Division Four regional semifinal softball game in Mishicot on Tuesday.
The Lancers kept it close for two innings before the Indians scored ten times in the third and fourth innings combined en route to a 12 to 0 five-inning victory.
Head Coach Dawn Shimek says it took a while for her team to find their sea legs.
“The first two innings, we scored only two runs, and we’re maybe a little complacent,” she said. “We talked about that and emphasized that this is now the playoffs. I give credit to Hayden (Svatek). She did a great job, mixing in some changeups early that had us off. We were able to adjust and handle it, and fortunately erupt for ten innings in the third and fourth innings.”
Shimek refering to Lancer freshman Hayden Svatek.
Manitowoc Lutheran Head Coach Matt Menges tells SeehaferNews.com that his team battled hard against Mishicot pitcher Kiran Sanford, whom he feels is one of the best, if not the best, pitchers in the state.
“Our first time playing against them this year, Kiran (Sanford) struck out the first nine batters she faced,” he recalled. “Tonight, we made much better contact and stepped up defensively, making as many plays as we could. I’m proud of how our young team competed.”
Sanford went the distance in earning her 22nd victory of the year.
Svatek took the loss as the Lancers finish their season at 7 and 15. As for the 22 and 3 Indians, they’ll host St. Mary’s Springs of Fond Du Lac in a regional final Thursday afternoon.
These two teams met back on May 2nd in Fond Du Lac, with a 3-0 Mishicot victory.
Shimek said of the rematch, “They have a great pitcher in Grace Konkol, and they have great coaches and organization. We are going to have to come ready to play, score early and take it from there.”
The first pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
