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Kat Miller -
Elyse Paulzine
The MCC Rebel Softball team was on the road in Edgerton on Monday in a battle of the two undefeated teams in the Red Rock Conference. The Flying Dutchmen had dominated the Red Rock Conference for nearly a decade, before losing the conference crown a year ago to RTR. The Rebels had not beaten the Flying Dutchmen for over ten years. On Monday night only one team would remain undefeated in the Red Rock Conference and it would be the Rebels.
The two pitchers dueled in this one, as Thea Schneider continued her strong senior season in the circle, while Cathryn Feikema has been strong for Edgerton/SWC. On Monday, the two would go back and forth. Though the two pitchers each would have their moments, it was the defense behind them that played a big factor in the game. When two good teams play, its sometimes the mistakes that get amplified far more than the great plays.
The Rebels, up first in the opening inning, drew two walks to start the game. Then, Thea Schneider singled to right field and the Rebels plated the first run of the game. MCC left the bases loaded, but had the lead 1-0. The Rebel highlight on defense came in the first inning with a runner at first base. MCC turned their first double play of the season as Kate Blanken-ship took a ground ball and fed it to Reese Wajer for the force at second base. Reese threw to first for the 6-4-3 double play. The Flying Dutchmen claimed the lead in the 3rd inning. With one out, the Flying Dutchmen got a Rebel error followed by two singles, a walk, and a ground out to score 3 runs. They added a single run in the 4th on a walk and a stolen base, with a ground out and a sacrifice bunt to make the score 4-1. The Rebels didn’t answer until the top of the 6th inning. Kate Blankenship singled to open the inning. The Rebels struck out for the first out, but a walk to Taylor Larson put runners at first and second. Calleigh Doeden laid down a bunt for a base hit. The throw was up the line, allowing the Rebels to score their second run of the game. Kat MIller reached first on an error by the shortstop, which also scored a run. The Rebels struck out for the second time in the inning with runners at first and second and the top of the order coming to the plate. Ava Deacon singled to left field, plating a run to tie the game. Two throwing errors by the Dutchmen allowed the Rebels to clear the bases, putting MCC in front. Emmi Peltola and Thea Schneider each singled in back to back at bats and Kate Blankenship hit a ground rule double to right field. With the ball bouncing over the fence, the Rebels were only allowed to score one run to make the score 7-4. Thea Schneider closed out the game, not allowing another Dutchmen run over the final two at bats and MCC got the big win.
The Rebels finished the game with 7 runs, 8 hits, and 3 errors. Edgerton/SWC had 4 runs, 4 hits, and 4 errors. Thea Schneider picked up the win, striking out 8 while walking 4 and allowing 2 earned runs. Feikema took the loss, striking out 13, while walking 6 and allowing 8 hits and 1 earned run. At the plate, Emmi Peltola, Thea Schneider, and Kate Blankenship each had two hits while Ava Deacon and Calleigh Doeden had 1 each. The Rebels will be back in action at home on Thursday against RTR. The game on Thursday will complete the first of two trips through the Red Rock Conference.
