Softball: Vikings advance to subsection title game as Streightiff homers
Published 9:53 pm Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Hayfield’s Maggie Streightiff swings on a pitch in the first inning against Randolph in their Section 1 West Division semifinal game Wednesday in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
HAYFIELD — The last two times Hayfield was hosting a second round home game in the Section 1A West softball tournament, the Vikings didn’t take care of business.
This year the top-seeded Vikings were equal the task as they topped No. 4 Randolph (11-8 overall) 9-4 in Hayfield Wednesday.
Hayfield’s Kyal Heydt slides safely into home under the tag of pitcher Kendra Emery during the third inning of their Section 1A West Division semifinal matchup Wednesday in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Vikings (16-4 overall) took a 9-2 lead by scoring four runs in the fifth inning and freshman Maggie Streightiff, who had five RBIs, launched her first career homer over the left field fence to knock in three runs during that rally.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but it felt really good,” Streightiff said.
The last time Hayfield played Randolph, the Vikings had to hold on to a 6-5 win, but this time they took a big lead early they led 5-0 after three innings.
“Last time we played these guys it was a hideous game, but we just knew coming into this game that we couldn’t make a lot of errors,” said Hayfield catcher Grace Mindrup, who was 4-for-4. “We had to get our mits down and keep up with the game.”
Streightiff was one of six freshmen starting for Hayfield Wednesday and all of the youngsters had a big impact on the win. Hayfield’s Kyal Heydt doubled in a run and Olivia Matti had an RBI double as well. Hayfield usually starts another freshman in Carrie Rutledge, but she suffered an injury recently and is likely out for the rest of the season.
Hayfield head coach Jana Wagner was pleased with how her young team has reacted to its first two playoff games.
“These girls are pretty loose and they don’t get to uptight about any thing. Some of the times they’re still learning, but they have the basics down,” Wagner said. “We’ll miss Carrie in the lineup, but somebody will step up and replace her.”
Hayfield pitcher Jackie Sanvick delivers in a Section 1A West Division semifinal matchup against Randolph Wednesday afternoon in Hayfield. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Hayfield will now take on No. 2 seeded Blooming Prairie in the Section 1A West title game 2 p.m. Friday at Todd Park. The winner of that game advances to the Section 1A tournament, and the loser will have to play a Section 1A qualifying game Friday.
Randolph 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 — 4 8 2
Hayfield 1 0 4 4 0 0 X — 9 11 4
Hayfield pitching: Jackie Sanvick (W) 7 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 K, 2 HBP
Alexis Dudycha, 0-for-3, 2 R, BB; Bhrett Zahnle, 0-for-5; Grace Mindrup, 4-for-4, 2 R; Kyal Heydt, 2-for-3, double, RBI, 2 R, BB; Maggie Streightiff, 2-for-4, HR, 5 RBIs, 2 R; Olivia Matti, 1-for-3, double, RBI, R; Kate Kruger, 1-for-4; Lezlie Sorensen, 1-for-4; Sanvick, 0-for-4
