HUMBOLDT — The Humboldt High softball squad split a pair of home matchups in the Lindsey Friederich Memorial Tournament Friday.
The Lady Cubs were frustrated at the plate against the Central Heights Vikings, losing 7-2. In game 2, however, they swung freely, beating Neodesha by a comfortable 12-2 margin.
Game one — Central Heights
The Lady Cubs’ bats went cold after a 2-run first inning in the 7-2 loss.
The Central Heights Vikings scored four in the first inning, including a double by Erykah Haynes.
Humboldt’s Karley Wools responded in the bottom of the first with a double and a triple by Carsyn Haviland. Both runners scored in the first inning for the 2-0 lead.
Wools started in the pitching circle for the Lady Cubs, allowing seven runs on 10 hits through four innings. Shelby Shaughnessy pitched the final three innings in relief.
“She hasn’t pitched much this season but she got a big win against Burlington last week,” Humboldt head coach Brad Piley said. “When she pitches, she fields really well, she doesn’t get upset and she’s pretty even-keeled. She’s done a great job for how much she’s thrown.”
The third inning meltdown for Humboldt’s defense saw Mieka Crump lead off the inning with a single before Haynes doubled and Bailey Brockus singled for Central Heights. Each runner scored before three more runs came around later in the inning for the 7-2 final.
Humboldt collected five hits as a team, led by Haviland’s triple. Emily Ross, Skylar Hottenstein and Wools each cracked doubles.
Game two — Neodesha
Humboldt’s bats were awake early and often when they took down Neodesha, 12-2.
The Lady Cubs scored four runs in the first inning, sparked by singles from Wools and Shaughnessy and an RBI double by Ross.Tavyn Baylor walked later in the inning before Chloe Daniels singled home a run. Humboldt led 4-0 after the first.
“We still haven’t reached our potential at the plate with everyone gelling at the same time,” said Piley. “We’ve just got to get more gel going and if we can get pitching going, we’ll be pretty good. We’ve got some time to get better.”
Wools was impressive in the circle, allowing only two runs over five innings. She allowed three hits and walked one. Wools didn’t allow any runs until the fourth inning.
