MONTICELLO - As the saying goes, the third time is a charm, and such was the case for the Argyle softball team on Thursday, as the Orioles stunned top-seeded Monticello, winning the regional final 3-1.
After coming up short in their two regular season matches, Argyle's offensive game plan for Thursday was different than their two previous meetings against the Ponies.
With the plan in place, Argyle started the game by ripping a double off of Ponies ace Claire Bruns with the game's first pitch.
"I did some adjustments of where we stand at the plate," Argyle coach Heidi Ganshert said. "She (Bruns) pitches inside, and we thought that by taking one step back and one step off the plate, we could hit her."
While the Orioles started the game strong, neither team scored until the fourth inning. With two outs and two runners on base, Argyle's Kayla Butler-Paulson smacked a two-run triple to draw first blood. After Monticello responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, Argyle reclaimed the momentum shortly after. That's when Argyle senior Aysha Monahan's RBI double brought in what would be the game's final score.
In a battle of aces, Argyle senior Jessica Treuthardt picked up the win, pitching all seven innings, allowing three hits, one walk and three strikeouts. As a team the Orioles had 10 hits, led by Jenna Langmeier (3-for-4, one double), and Butler-Paulson (2-for-3).
Seniors Clare Gietzel and Marissa Berg, along with junior Jordan Garrison each went 1-for-3 for Monticello.
In winning the game, the Orioles claimed their first regional title since 2007. For Monticello, the Ponies saw their program's winningest season come to an abrupt end.
"No matter how you look at it, this was a great year for our team," Monticello coach Duane Garrison said. "(But) it's always tough to lose, especially at home. In my 11 years of coaching, this is perhaps the closest team that I've ever had. It's tough to see it end, (but) I couldn't have asked for a better group."
Argyle advances to sectional play and will take on Highland on Tuesday.
"I have heard that they (Highland) are a very good team," Ganshert said. "We will go in with an open mind and keep doing what we have been."
Brodhead 7, Orfordville Parkview 6
ORFORDVILLE - After earning a convincing shutout against Wisconsin Heights on Tuesday, the Brodhead softball team dethroned top-ranked Orfordville Parkview by the closest of margins, winning 7-6 to claim the regional final.
The Cardinals used four runs in the first inning to climb out to an early lead. After Parkview managed one run in the same inning, both teams seemingly matched each other run for run until the fifth. With a 7-3 lead, the Cardinals offense sputtered, giving way to a Parkview comeback.
After going scoreless in the sixth, Parkview cut into Brodhead's lead by scoring two runs. Nerves started to escalate late in the game, as the Cardinals again left the door open for Parkview to tie the game. But strong play by the Brodhead defense limited the Vikings damage, as Parkview only managed to score once.
Junior pitcher Brooke Boegli pitched all seven innings, giving up 10 hits and zero earned runs to go along with five strikeouts. Payton Wright, Karina Rosheisen and Amber Pickel each recorded doubles for Brodhead who will take on Poynette on Tuesday.
After coming up short in their two regular season matches, Argyle's offensive game plan for Thursday was different than their two previous meetings against the Ponies.
With the plan in place, Argyle started the game by ripping a double off of Ponies ace Claire Bruns with the game's first pitch.
"I did some adjustments of where we stand at the plate," Argyle coach Heidi Ganshert said. "She (Bruns) pitches inside, and we thought that by taking one step back and one step off the plate, we could hit her."
While the Orioles started the game strong, neither team scored until the fourth inning. With two outs and two runners on base, Argyle's Kayla Butler-Paulson smacked a two-run triple to draw first blood. After Monticello responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, Argyle reclaimed the momentum shortly after. That's when Argyle senior Aysha Monahan's RBI double brought in what would be the game's final score.
In a battle of aces, Argyle senior Jessica Treuthardt picked up the win, pitching all seven innings, allowing three hits, one walk and three strikeouts. As a team the Orioles had 10 hits, led by Jenna Langmeier (3-for-4, one double), and Butler-Paulson (2-for-3).
Seniors Clare Gietzel and Marissa Berg, along with junior Jordan Garrison each went 1-for-3 for Monticello.
In winning the game, the Orioles claimed their first regional title since 2007. For Monticello, the Ponies saw their program's winningest season come to an abrupt end.
"No matter how you look at it, this was a great year for our team," Monticello coach Duane Garrison said. "(But) it's always tough to lose, especially at home. In my 11 years of coaching, this is perhaps the closest team that I've ever had. It's tough to see it end, (but) I couldn't have asked for a better group."
Argyle advances to sectional play and will take on Highland on Tuesday.
"I have heard that they (Highland) are a very good team," Ganshert said. "We will go in with an open mind and keep doing what we have been."
Brodhead 7, Orfordville Parkview 6
ORFORDVILLE - After earning a convincing shutout against Wisconsin Heights on Tuesday, the Brodhead softball team dethroned top-ranked Orfordville Parkview by the closest of margins, winning 7-6 to claim the regional final.
The Cardinals used four runs in the first inning to climb out to an early lead. After Parkview managed one run in the same inning, both teams seemingly matched each other run for run until the fifth. With a 7-3 lead, the Cardinals offense sputtered, giving way to a Parkview comeback.
After going scoreless in the sixth, Parkview cut into Brodhead's lead by scoring two runs. Nerves started to escalate late in the game, as the Cardinals again left the door open for Parkview to tie the game. But strong play by the Brodhead defense limited the Vikings damage, as Parkview only managed to score once.
Junior pitcher Brooke Boegli pitched all seven innings, giving up 10 hits and zero earned runs to go along with five strikeouts. Payton Wright, Karina Rosheisen and Amber Pickel each recorded doubles for Brodhead who will take on Poynette on Tuesday.
