GIRLS LOSE SOFTBALL OPENER

The MCC Rebel Softball team opened their season on Monday night in Cottonwood. The Rebels are coming off a Red Rock Conference Championship but it’s a new look Rebel team. Although half the lineup returns, the pitching staff has a new look and lineup has changed. The Rebels lost to the Lakers a year ago in a close game in Slayton. This game did not end the, same as the Lakers scored early and then pulled away in the third inning. The Rebels would take their first loss of the year.

The Lakers got a great start from Makenna Anderson, who would allow just three hits in five innings, holding the Rebels without a run. Anderson struck out nine batters, but her biggest key was that she didn’t walk a batter. Ava Deacon, Reese Wajer and Joelle Hellewell each got a single, but the Rebels struggled to make strong contact throughout the game.

The Lakers on offense combined for eight hits, five walks, and four Rebel errors to score 11 runs. The big inning for the Lakers was the third, where they scored 7 runs. The Rebels did have some defensive highlights, including a nice running catch by Danyel Neilson in right field. There was a sprawling play at shortstop by Joelle Hellewell and a double play by Reese Wajer. The Lakers picked up their first victory of the season.

The Rebels play their next games after Easter, but on Monday it was all Lakeview. Charlie Paulzine took the loss in the circle allowing nine runs in three innings, striking out two, walking five, and allowing nine hits. The Rebels struggled with their timing at the plate, striking out nine times in five innings. The Rebels will look to bounce back next week against MLAC and HLOF.