Lady Grizzlies defeat Barton, strikeout at Johnson Tournament

Sweeping two victories against Seward County is hard enough. Winning a double header at Seward County is even tougher. The Lady Grizzly softball team could only muster a split against the Lady Saints on Wednesday, April 6, losing the first game 3-1 before winning the second game 8-0. The Lady Grizzlies are now 24-6 overall this season.

"Our goal against Seward County is to sweep them at home and at least split with them on the road," said head coach Doug Chance. "Seward County is tough to win at and only once in seven years have we swept them there."

Seward County entered the contest with a 28-8 record and a second place spot in the Jayhawk West Division behind the Lady Grizzlies.

In game one, Clarissa Navarro, La Joya, Texas freshman, led the team in hits with two and had four at-bats. But it was Leah Becker, Aztec, NM. sophomore, who would tie the game in the fourth inning with Butler's only run.

The Lady Saints would break away in the fifth inning with two runs and hang on for the 3-1 victory.

Courtney Kasson, Lawrence sophomore, was the pitcher for Butler. She allowed seven hits and threw 58 strikes.

In game two, the Lady Grizzlies would only allow two hits from Seward County as the Lady Saints were blanked with an 8-0 win by Butler.

Two Butler outfield players would step in for one that was injured and one that is sick to help the Lady Grizzlies. Kelsee Farmer, Augusta sophomore, and Carlene McManigal, Holton freshman, entertained the Lady Saints with both players hitting an RBI.

McManigal hit an RBI single in to right field and finished the game with three hits and one run. McManigal also made a diving catch with the bases loaded on outfield.

The Lady Grizzlies got going in the second inning with a run and never looked back.

Sarah Shanika, St. Peters, MO. freshman, was the winning pitcher in game two and only allowed two hits while throwing 64 strikes.

The Lady Grizzlies were trying to rebound after a tough weekend in the Johnson County Classic in which they defeated Iowa Central 7-3 before falling to Indian Hills 3-1 and then to Iowa Central 3-2. They closed out the weekend with another loss to Indian Hills 3-2.