HOLLY >> Pitching was the big difference as Holly swept Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in a non-conference softball double-header, 17-2 and 9-5, on Wednesday.
Senior Madisen Beesley was effective in both games for Holly (13-5-1).
“Our pitching was really good today. Madisen Beesley had to pitch both games today. Our other pitcher hurt her ankle,” coach Scott Culver said. “Madisen is a beast she can throw both games if we need to. We don’t like to do that regularly because obviously it’s a long season. When needed she give it her all.”
PHOTO GALLERY OF HOLLY VS. NOTRE DAME PREP
Notre Dame Prep (8-3) depends on players who are new to pitching this season.
Experience on the mound won out, although the Irish came back in the second game but still came up short.
“Our catcher from last year is our pitcher, we don’t have a pitcher in the high school right now that returned. So I give my kids a lot of credit, it’s all them out there. Sink or swim. I think they’ve done a great job,” Notre Dame Prep coach Betty Wroubel said.
Lauren Koenig pitched the complete first game for the Irish while Meagan Orloski wrapped up the double-header.
“The second game is the first game that girl had ever pitched..she’s our left fielder, she’s never pitched. She did pretty well,” Wroubel said. “We’re pretty happy with where we’re at. Am I happy with the pitching? No. But knowing we don’t have an experienced pitcher I’m elated that they’re out there risking it and being a good teammate.”
In the first game, the Bronchos scored five runs in the bottom of the second, six in the bottom of the third and in the fourth, went up 17-2 to mercy the Irish.
“I think the biggest thing in the first game, Beesley had nine strikeouts over a four-inning game,” Culver said. “That takes the pressure off the defense anytime you can do something like that, the innings are quicker, the offense can get on a roll. That’s why we hit the ball so well in the first game.”
In the second game, Holly jumped out to a 6-0 start, but the Irish fought back.
Beesley was getting a little tired in the second game plus she’s nursing a sore toe.
“I think that’s was the difference, that was starting to bother her at the end. And they’re a good team once you see the same pitcher over and over again, good teams are going to eventually hit them. That’s what happened today,” Culver said.
Holly’s Aubrey Jenkinson had the hot bat with two home runs and two triples.
“She hit the ball extremely well today,” Culver said.
Her bases-loaded home run in the bottom of the second in the second game, gave Holly the 6-0 lead.
The Irish seemed to find more rhythm at the plate in the second game.
“We probably should have hit a little bit better. We’re just inconsistent at the plate. Give us a few more runs and who knows what’s going to happen,” Wroubel said. “We work hard, we get better every day. We have four freshmen starters, I only have two seniors – one that starts regularly. We’re a very young team all the way around.”
Wroubel smiles when she thinks of the future for her team.
“They’re going to be a very good team if they keep getting better,” the veteran coach said. “I’s going to be a tough team to compete with in the next few years. I think.”
