Dixie Fastpitch Scores Big Against Ponitz

After splitting a doubleheader with Bethel (3-9; 13- 6) last weekend, Dixie wanted to get some momentum after their win in the second game. In the first game Dixie's Stacy Rader was 2 for 3 with a triple, and Jordan Buxton was 2 for 2. In the second game Courtney Hawk was 4 for 4 - scoring twice and stealing 2 bases. Abby Bertke was 4 for 4, scoring twice and driving in 2 runs. Both Shelby Shope and Julia Wilson were 2 for 4. Tori Bargo and Cassidy Shell split pitching duties in the win. Shelby Shope also had an impressive 7 putouts.

But they lost their first game of the week against Milton Union 7-2. Errors were a problem for the team, although Shelby Shope lead the way defensively with 5 putouts. Tori Bargo took the loss – although she only gave up a single earned run. Madison Buxton was half of the Dixie offense, hitting a single, stealing a base and finally crossing the plate. Julia Wilson scored the other Dixie run, reaching base on a double before scoring. Courtney Hawk was 2 for 2 from the plate. Julia Wilson had a double as did Katie Honeywell.

Dixie had a much bigger mountain to climb in their next game. Undefeated Preble Shawnee was the next matchup. They are undefeated thanks in part to their pitching ace - Hannah Belvo. But they are a balanced team – the hitting and defense are spot on as well. The Hounds were shut out and it was a no hitter to boot. They had a total of 10 strikeouts at the plate. Shawnee on the other hand were on the bases early and often – run ruling Dixie in a 15-0 thrashing. Errors were again a problem for Dixie with 8 miscues. Madison Buxton did get 5 put outs to lead the way on defense. Tori Bargo pitched almost the whole game with 2 earned runs. Stacy Rader completed the game allowing a single earned run.

Last game of the week was against Ponitz Career Technology Center. Having been frustrated all week, it was time for Dixie to dish it out instead of take it. Dixie took charge of the game early and decisively racking up some big innings to leap out to a huge lead. With the game being so lopsided, the Dixie bench got to see time on the field. Coach Perry saw that 18 players were able to make a varsity plate appearance. So it wasn't like the team kept the first squad in and ran up the score. The game was run ruled and was a much needed 23-5 victory for the Hounds.

Kelly Speak was a perfect 3 for 3 from the plate with a double. Ashley Rader was 2 for 4 including a triple. Judy Cronenwelt was 2 for 3 with a double. Marissa Overholtz was 2 for 3 as was Madison Buxton. The errors for Dixie were few and were made mostly in the last part of game with the bench. Ashley Rader had 5 put outs for the night. Tori Bargo pitched the first 3 innings to get the win – allowing only a single earned run. Stacy Radar got the other 2 innings on the mound and allowed 2 runs.