RL/W competes at state tourney

AUSTIN — The Round Lake/Worthington 18-and-under fast-pitch softball team played well at the state tournament over the weekend.

RL/W went 3-2 in the two-day tournament and finished in the top eight of the 18-team tournament.

In the first game, RL/W defeated Brownton 2-0 behind a solid pitching performance by Angela Robinson.

She struck out three and walked one.

Robinson was aided by two outstanding catches by Stephanie Behrens.

Robinson helped her own cause with a trio of hits in the game, while Behrens was 2-for-3.

Brandie Timmerman drove in a run, while Katherine Kazemba and Christine Kazemba each drew two walks in the game for RL/W, which scored a run in the first and one in the sixth inning.

In the second game, RL/W continued its winning ways with a 6-4 victory.

Robinson (two strikeouts) threw four innings and Christine Kazemba threw three innings as RL/W held off Greenway.

Robinson was 4-for-4 with four singles to lead RL/W, while Katherine Kazemba was 2-for-4 with a double.

Behrens was 3-for-4 with two singles and a double while Erin Ebbers, who made an outstanding catch defensively, drew two walks.

Christine Kazemba was 2-for-4 with a double, while KC Riley had a single and drew a walk.

Timmerman reached three times after being hit by a pitch and walking twice.

Sarah Ebbers had a single, while Shaina Lonneman drew a walk and had two hits.

After a tough loss to Hawley in the third game, RL/W was back on the field to face Brownton again in its fourth game.

Just like in their first matchup, RL/W came out victorious.

Riley and Katherine Kazemba each drove in two runs as RL/W won 8-2.

Christine Kazemba, Robinson and Sarah Ebbers each drove in a run.

Robinson and Christine Kazemba each saw time in the circle.

Erin Ebbers started a trend for RL/W. She connected on the first of three consecutive doubles for the team, as Christine Kazemba and Riley then followed suit.

Timmerman had a single, while Sarah Ebbers and Katherine Kazemba each had a double in the game.

RL/W was also helped out by key defensive plays in the game.

Christine Kazemba started a slick double play from her shortstop position. She threw home to Riley who then threw to first to complete the 6-2-3 double play.

But the great defense wasn’t done yet.

Katherine Kazemba made a great stop at third and completed the throw to first, and Behrens made a big play late in the game. From left field, she threw a runner out at home that got RL/W out of a bases-loaded jam.

Playing on Sunday, RL/W suffered a 3-2 loss to Red Corvets, ending its state tournament run.

Robinson and Christine Kazemba shared the pitching duties in the game,

Katherine Kazemba connected on an inside-the-park home run in the first inning, while Riley drove in the other run for RL/W.

Christine Kazemba added a single.

Again, RL/W was aided by strong defense. Behrens completed a nice double play after making a nice catch and throw to third.

Robinson then had a key strikeout in the sixth to end a bases-loaded inning.

However, the Red Corvets scored twice in the bottom of the sixth as the RL/W team ended a fine season with a top-eight finish at state.

Tags: round lake, sports, softball, worthington