Softball Bounces Back Against Windsor, Defeating Them 7-2

The Lady Eagles softball team dominated the Windsor Owls, winning 7-2 on Thursday, Aug. 31.

After having gone 1-2 and finishing 7th at the previous Back to School Classic, Sullivan appeared rejuvenated, more confident and displayed stronger chemistry in the outfield.

Head Coach Ashley Crump was happy with her team’s improvement, stating, “I think we hit better against Windsor than we did at the classic. We were smarter on the bases and worked together to move runners and score.”

The Windsor Owls struggled defensively, while the Lady Eagles constantly surprised them by finding gaps in the outfield.

Evvie Blankenship excelled on the mound, recording 10 strikeouts while allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs over seven innings. She also performed well at the plate, with a team-high of 4 at-bat appearances and 3 hits, along with scoring a run and driving in an RBI.

Molly Lohden contributed 3 runs and RBIs, while Ava Declue added 3 RBIs, 3 runs and 2 hits. Hayli Vennable secured a hit and an RBI and newcomer Rae Corwin made a run, a hit and an RBI. Each one of them had 3 at-bat appearances.

Sullivan started strong in the bottom of the first inning, seizing an early 2-0 lead. With Dorie Richardson at bat, Lohden was on second base and Declue was at first. Richardson hit a fly ball across the field, allowing Lohden to score quickly and Declue to advance to third. Blankenship then grounded out, giving Declue the opportunity to score.

The Lady Eagles continued their dominance during their next offensive turn. Declue returned to the plate, hitting a hard ground ball to right field. Lohden scored her second run of the game, followed by Declue after Venable lined a drive. Sullivan soared ahead 4-0.

In the top of the fifth, Windsor made their first mark on the scoreboard. Lady Owl Ashlin Murphy hit a single to right fielder Mia Pridemore, allowing Tyaleatha Schenck to change the score to 4-1.

Sullivan struck back as Rae Corwin swung a hard ground ball across the field, allowing Blankenship to score. Declue hit a powerful fly ball, paving the way for Corwin and Lohden to cross home plate. Sullivan maintained their lead at 7-1.

In the top of the seventh, the Owls made one final attempt to comeback when Riley Fendler scored off a sacrifice fly to center fielder Lohden. But, Blankenship prevented Windsor from staging anything as she consecutively struck out two batters to end the game.

The Lady Eagles face a busy week ahead. “We have seven games next week and will face really good competition. Our main priority will be to keep everyone healthy while giving different athlete’s opportunities to show us what they can do,” said Crump.

Sullivan’s next home game is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, against Pacific at 5 p.m. Later in the week, they will travel to Hermann for a match at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The following day, Sullivan will participate in the Ozark’s Fall Festival at Kickapoo High School, competing against Kickapoo at 2 p.m., Neosho at 3:45 and Truman at 7:15. On Saturday, the Lady Eagles will continue tournament play, facing Excelsior Springs at 10:45 a.m. and Republic at 2:15 p.m.