WILLMAR -- Despite dropping both games of their doubleheader softball contest against the Ridgewater Warriors Tuesday afternoon, the Minnesota West Lady Jays demonstrated the same spunk they have all year in their season finale.
After getting bombed 15-0 in the five-inning opener, the Lady Jays bounced back and nearly earned a split in the nightcap.
Trailing 10-6 entering the top of the seventh inning, the Lady Jays managed to push three runs across the plate, but came up one run short -- falling 10-9 to finish with a record of 3-17.
"I'm really proud of the way we battled throughout the season," MW head coach Rosalie Hayenga said. "The girls fought back all year, and their determination kept us in a lot of games. When the losses start piling up, it's hard to keep going. But the team showed a lot of character and gave us some things to build on for next season."
Calie Ritttenour earned the victory on the mound for Ridgewater, giving up four hits while striking out two and walking no one.
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Mel Anderson suffered the loss for MW, giving up 10 earned runs on 13 hits. Anderson struck out no one and walked two over five innings.
Ashley DeBates had a double for MW, while Ashley Neperman and Amanda Meyer each hit a single.
Patina Queenan picked up the win in the nightcap, giving up nine earned runs on 14 hits while striking out one and walking five.
Anderson again took the loss giving up five earned runs on eight hits while striking out one and walking five over seven innings.
Stacy Bush was 4-for-4 with a run scored for the Lady Jays. Neperman went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and three RBI. Anderson was 2-for-2 with an RBI double in the first inning, and Dani Jo Thorsen was 2-for-3 with an RBI double in the fourth.
Game 1 R H E
MW 000 00 -- 0 4 6
Ridge. 0 (11) 2 2x -- 15 13 1
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Game 2 R H E
MW 400 110 3 -- 9 14 5
Ridge. 300 304 x -- 10 8 9
