Line drives, a three run home run, and a lack of scores until the fourth inning made the 3-1 win for BSM against Park Center an exciting one. “It was a competitive game,” said captain Marie Renckens, “We didn’t score until the fourth inning.” The game took place at Richfield Middle School and now qualifies BSM to play Wayzata on Friday, May 23.

The biggest highlight of the game was a three-run homerun by Brittany Stewart and “that’s how we won the game,” said coach Adrian Wagner. “With her on the mound we have a chance to win any game–she has an edge…she’s really come into her own.”

Although only two hits sent BSM players to the bases, the team made amazing hits that went right to the opposing players. Rachel Hoemke and Emma Shields-Nordness each hit the ball straight to the fence. Renckens and Shields-Nordness made line drives right to Park Center’s infielders as well. “Seven or eight girls [on the team] are all hitting over .300 and really drive the ball. They come through with a big hit when we need it,” said Wagner. Park Center only had three hits, and overall BSM controlled the pace of the game.

Park Center is the number six seed out of twelve teams and BSM is the number three seed. Teams are ranked and judged by all coaches to determine the seed ranking of the teams. The game against Wayzata on Friday is a highly anticipated one because many thought BSM should have taken Wayzata’s place as second seed. “We’ve never played them in a real game,” said Renckens. The team has had opportunity to watch Wayzata in action and “they’re definitely a team that if we play a good game, we can beat,” said Wagner.

BSM has to win three more games to make it to state and the girls are feeling confident. “BSM has never made it to the state tournament in softball. While we’ve had some good teams, this is definitely a team that will give us the best shot at heading to the state tournament,” said Wagner.

kaia preus