The Argyle-Black Hawk Orioles and the Pecatonica Vikings hooked up in a pitchers’ duel April 22 in Six Rivers conference softball. The Orioles won 1-0 as senior Mya McNett pitched a two-hit shutout. 

The Vikings had a chance to take an early lead in the second inning as sophomore Aleah Harris doubled with one out. But, McNett recovered with a pair of strikeouts. 

The Orioles scored the game’s only run in the third inning with one out as McNett tripled to deep center and scored on an errant relay throw.  The Orioles threatened to widen the lead in the fifth inning as junior Brinley Meinert led off with a double and advanced to third on a groundout. With one out, Meinert tried to score on a fly ball hit to right by McNett, but was thrown out at the plate. 

The Vikings got the tying run in scoring position in the seventh as Harris doubled with one out. But, freshman Kiaya York struck out and junior Tatum Kurschner grounded out to end the game. 

Argyle-Black Hawk head coach Heidi Ganshert said her team’s defense came up with the big plays to keep Pec off the board. 

“I told them today our defense has done a little better. Hitting will come. Today wasn’t our day at the plate, but our defense saved us today,” said Ganshert. 

Senior starting pitcher Diana Hendrickson of Pecatonica allowed just three hits, struck out seven, and walked none. 

The Orioles improved to 2-6 in the Six Rivers conference with the win, 6-7 overall. Pecatonica fell to 3-4 in the conference with the loss, and 3-7 overall. Argyle-Black Hawk played at River Ridge while Pecatonica hosted Potosi-Cassville on April 24 in Six Rivers conference play.