By Fred Kroner
After the offense struggled in the first three games, the Oakwood Junior High Knights broke loose for 15 runs in their fourth softball game of the season, but dropped a heartbreaking 16-15 decision on Tuesday (Aug. 17) at Georgetown Mary Miller.
Karleigh Nelson and Matilyn Griffis each swatted three hits for the Knights, who out-hit Georgetown 14-3. Caydence Vermillion and Khloe Brouner had two hits apiece.
Vermillion pitched six innings in relief of Kendyl Rogers. She recorded three strikeouts.
On Monday (Aug. 16), Oakwood was shut out in its home opener, dropping a 15-0 decision to Westville. The Knights were limited to three hits, one each by Gracie Hanner, Sophia Hart and Sophia Aquino. Vermillion had two strikeouts in three innings.
Oakwood also lost twice in its season-opening tournament at Casey-Westfield on Saturday (Aug. 7). The Knights were beaten by Mount Zion 14-1 and by Hutsonville 11-1.
Vermillion collected two of the team’s three hits against Mount Zion. She also pitched five innings and had two strikeouts.
Against Hutsonville, Rogers fanned three batters in four innings. The Oakwood hits were by Nelson, Hart, Hanner and Brooklynn Myers.
Oakwood (0-4) returns to action on Thursday (Aug. 19) at home against Bismarck-Henning.
