Section 6A softball: Ashby reaches championship

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Sixth-ranked Hawley handed Ashby their first loss in tournament play Tuesday, but the Arrows rebounded for a 6-4 win over Menahga to move into the Section 6A championship.

Ashby was to face Hawley once again yesterday, Thursday, for the title. If the Arrows won, they would have had to play a second and deciding game in the double-elimination competition. A loss would end their season.

“Once again, the girls were relentless,” said head coach Joey Andreasen. “They faced an excellent Hawley pitcher and suffered a loss, but did not lose focus. They came back in game two with their chins up, ready to play and beat a very good Menahga team.

“We are excited for the opportunity to advance to the championship game and are hoping for some better weather.”

In that opener against the Nuggets, Ashby was able to come up with just two hits off pitcher Jessy Noreen in the 5-0 loss as Hayley Barry and Amber Sundal each had one.

The Arrows regrouped for a 6-4 win over Menahga in the elimination round, as Haley Ness delivered a dominating performance, striking out 16 Braves. She allowed just six hits in the game.

Ashby jumped to an early 2-0 lead after the first inning and never trailed, building a 5-0 lead before allowing Menahga three runs in the fifth and a final run in the bottom of the seventh.

Barry led the offense once again with a pair of hits to drive in two runs, while Jaden Witt and Meg Roley each had a hit and an RBI.

GAME STATISTICS

ASHBY 000 000 0 0-2-2

HAWLEY 010 310 X 5-6-0

PITCHING – Jessy Noreen (WP), Haley Ness (LP).

HITTING – Hayley Barry 1 hit, Amber Sundal 1 hit.

ASHBY 201 300 0 6-6-1

MENAHGA 000 030 1 4-6-1

PITCHING – Haley Ness (WP), Lindsey White (LP).

HITTING – Hayley Barry 2-4, 2 rbi; Jaden Witt 1 hit, 1 rbi; Meg Roley 1 hit, 1 rbi; Madison VanSanten 1 hit, Amber Sundal 1 hit.

SECTION 6A-SOUTH SOFTBALL

PLAY-INS

Brandon-Evansville 8, Verndale 5

Hillcrest 11, Parkers Prairie 3

OPENING ROUND

Ashby 7, Brandon-Evansville 2

Eagle Valley 10, Bertha-Hewitt 7

New York Mills 6, Hillcrest 3

Pillager 12, West Central Area 2 (6 innings)

SEMIFINALS

Ashby 3, Eagle Valley 0

Pillager 9, New York Mills 1

CHAMPIONSHIP

Ashby 3, Pillager 2

SECTION 6A FINALS

Hawley 5, Ashby 0

LOSERS’ BRACKET

Menahga 6, Pillager 4

Ashby 6, Menahga 4

SECTION 6A CHAMPIONSHIP

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

Hawley vs. Ashby, 4 p.m.

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