Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The umpire calls her run safe as Maddie Purnell sweeps past first base. The Colton Wildcats won against Sunnyside Christian at home on April 17.
COLTON — The undefeated Colton Wildcats softball swept Liberty Christian at home April 24 to put their record at 12-0 turning to the home stretch of the abbreviated season.
In the first game tied at 3-3 in the seventh inning, Colton laid a bunt down to advance a runner and win 4-3. They won the second game 8-3.
Josie Schultheis went 4-for-6 at-bat for the day, while Riley Vining and Maggie Meyer also delivered multiple hits.
It was the first time Colton played full-seven inning games this year, all of the others were shortened by the mercy rule.
Looking at the season, overall batting averages aren't a factor for the coach.
"I don't even look at that until the playoffs," said Coach Brad Nilson.
The 2021 team is led by Schultheis, a senior and five-year starter playing since eighth grade. Vining is a four-year starter playing second base and centerfielder Addy Purnell is another senior, who would have started last year too if there was a season.
Pitchers for Colton are Schultheis and Meyer.
"Both great pitchers in their own ways, one's spins are more effective and the other has more speed, which makes her spins more effective," said Nilson.
Colton plays at home on Saturday against Garfield-Palouse at 11 a.m. before a four-team league playoff on May 4 in Walla Walla.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
Reader Comments(0)