Estherville-Lincoln Central used dominating pitching to grab a 13-3 road win over Okoboji in the first round of the Class 2A Regional softball playoffs on Thursday. Kendall Bosch and Melissa Gjerde combined to retire 17 consecutive batters from the first to through the sixth innings, allowing the Midgets to build a 10-1 lead. Bosch would strike out six batters, including five straight. ELC received a 3-for-4 effort at the plate from Emily Kirchner. She finished with three RBI and a run scored. Macy Dahl scored three and drove in one, Morgan Schichtl plated one and crossed home twice, and Christina Tendal had three hits and three runs. Okoboji did not register a hit until the seventh. Mary Eckard drew a pair of walks that led to two runs. Abby Taylor had a hit, a run, and a RBI. Mikkinzie Peschong took the loss with eight earned runs allowed on 14 hits. Okoboji’s season ends at 20-11 overall.
(63) DENNIS BASCHKE ON THE GAME
Estherville-Lincoln Central advances to the second round with a 19-11 mark and will play a rubber match with Emmetsburg on Friday. That game can be heard live on Y100 and at ExploreOkoboji.com.
In other Class 2A action, Sioux Central topped South Central Calhoun 10-4, advancing to play East Sac County tonight. Cherokee ended Sibley-Ocheyedan’s season with a narrow 8-7 decision and will take on Alta/Aurelia this evening. Sheldon made it to the second round with an 11-10 victory over Central Lyon/George-Little Rock and will now play at Western Christian on Friday. And Sioux Center used an 8-3 margin to defeat Unity Christian and now plays Ridge View.
In Class 1A, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn required some late game magic to keep their season alive, stealing a 5-4 come-from-behind win on their home diamond over Laurens-Marathon on Thursday. Down a run entering the seventh, CJ Beving legged out a triple to set the stage for the dramatic win. She finished 3-for-3 with two extra base hits and two RBI. Younger sister Michelle registered a pair of hits and a run batted in. Kathryn Ahlers got the win in relief of Onica Jacobs, holding the Chargers to two hits in the final two innings and pitching out of a bases-loaded jam.
(64) DALE ORTHMANN ON THE WIN
The Hawks are 11-16 and will play Friday in Emmetsburg against West Bend-Mallard in the second round. That game will be broadcast live on Q102 and at ExploreOkoboji.com starting at 5:45pm.
In other softball action, Spirit Lake brought their regular season to a close with a dramatic 12-10 come-from-behind victory in eight innings at Algona on Thursday. Senior Briana Brunsvold came through with the game-winning, two-run single in the extra inning, part of a four RBI night. Paige Krause got things going early with a two-run homer in the first, her ninth home run of the season. She finished with three hits and five RBI. Alli Gerking also had three hits. Sami Ashland pitched to the win. The Indians take a 20-14 record overall into Saturday’s regional opener with Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley.
