Left: Alex Slanga has been a mainstay on the mound this year for the Vikings. She has started and pitched most of the Vikings’ innings in the team’s first four games. The team is now 2-2 on the season.
Down 9-2 after 5 innings, the Viking softball team put on a tremendous rally to take the lead 11-10 against the Silver Bay Mariners before falling 12-11.
The game was played in Two Harbors on Saturday, April 11, and was the first of a double header for the Vikings who faced Two Harbors after the Silver Bay game.
The Vikings had several strong hitters in the game. Maddy Roy was 2 for 3 with a triple while Alex Slanga was also 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Abby Prom had two RBIs while going 2 for 4 at the plate. One of Abby’s hits was a long triple. Trace McQuatters also had a double in the game.
Silver Bay’s Emma Benlott was the winning pitcher while Alex Slanga took the loss for the Vikings.
“Silver Bay changed pitchers and our girls made a great comeback in the game,” said Assistant Coach Sarah McAteer. “Silver Bay scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the game.”
Vikings fall to Two Harbors
Above: Freshman Abby Prom is now starting at first base and has been wielding a big bat for the Vikings. Here she smacks a double against Floodwood.
The Vikings knew they were going to be in for a tough day when they faced Two Harbors pitcher Ayla Lemke. Lemke went 7 strong innings on the mound and went 3 for 4 from the plate, getting a double and a triple. Just a freshman, the 6’1” Lemke is a hard thrower and a tough out at the plate with her bat.
“Normally Two Harbors beats us pretty good, so losing 8-3 wasn’t so bad. Their pitcher throws hard and is tough to hit. She pitched a great game against us,” said McAteer.
“Alex pitched a complete game against Two Harbors. This is the first time that she has pitched back-to-back complete games. Over all the team played pretty well.”
Vikings beat Floodwood Bears
The Vikings played Floodwood at home on Tuesday, April 14, and overwhelmed the Polar Bears’ young pitchers, winning 21-2.
“We got 19 hits and scored 21 runs. Everybody played, even the subs got into the game,” said McAteer.
While McAteer didn’t have the stat book, she said pretty much every Viking had a hit in the game. “I know Carrie Palmer had a couple of big hits for us. The Deschampe girls both had hits. Abby Prom got a double. Really, everyone got hits for us,” she said.
“Our fielding was excellent too. They hit the ball but we made a lot of great defensive plays. Alex only gave up one or two walks and had maybe three strikeouts, but it didn’t matter because the girls behind her played so strong,” said McAteer.
The game ended after five innings because of the 10-run rule.
Next up for the Vikings are two road games before they come home to face Two Harbors on Thursday, April 23. The game starts at 4 p.m. Come out and cheer for your Vikings!
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