Coach Kathy Gutmann’s Cardinals put together all the components they have focused their early spring efforts upon in a one sided 18-4 pummelling of St Johns at Hensley Field on Friday. The redbirds opened the first inning with 8 runs to rock the Cadets early and had a double digit lead in scoring in every inning of the shortened contest.
“We have focused on fundementals this spring, on defense and especially on hitting,” commented Gutmann. “Today the girls played defense well, we ran the bases well, and we hit as well as we have all season. We have two league wins in a row and some momentum now going into the Hayfield games Saturday.”
Julie Smolak was among the leaders hitting the ball, on a day where every starter notched a base hit. Her second hit in the first inning was a base- clearing double, and Katie Kiesner added a two-run home run to center for Ireton. Third baseman Mandy Imbriglia chipped in a single and triple for the Cards who face Thomas Jefferson and Herndon on Saturday. On Friday, everything went Ireton’s way. Sarah Howell, a freshman starter had her best day at the plate and Emily Quinn scored twice while Caroline Boddie and Micki Crouch crossed the plate on three occassions for the Cardinals.
Crouch, back from season-ending ACL surgery in the first scrimmage of the 2009 season, was sharp on the mound for Ireton, striking out nine Cadets in 5 2/3 innings. Katie Kiesner made her first WCAC appearance of the season in the 4th inning and was touched up for four runs before Crouch returned to the circle to qwell the Cadets’ uprising.
Ireton improves to 2-3 in the WCAC and heads to St Mary Ryken and Bishop O’Connell in the week ahead after their visit to Hayfield Saturday.
Processing your request, Please wait....
