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Hannah
Knop takes a swing at a pitch Thursday against Marion Local at
Versailles. Knop hit one of two home runs for the Tigers as Versailles
remained undefeated in the MAC with a 9-3 victory over the Flyers. CNO
Photo by Dylan Knoop
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Lady Tigers use
long ball in victory over Marion Local
Versailles still undefeated in MAC play
By George Starks
VERSAILLES- Designated player Kayla McEldowney hit her tenth homerun of
the 2013 season and collected four runs batted in Thursday, leading
Versailles to a 9-3 MAC win over visiting Marion Local.
McEldowney picked up her first two runs batted in in the opening frame
off a double to center, scoring Miranda Huddle and Madison Monnin,
giving the Tigers a 2-1 lead.
A lead they would never lose.
Overall, the Tigers would collect 12 hits in the game with Hannah Knop
getting a second jack in the fourth for the Tigers.
“I thought we came out a little bit flat in the beginning,” said
Versailles coach Michelle Heitcamp. “We knew Marion was hungry
for a win. It seemed like they had more energy going on and that seemed
to help us change the momentum.”
Holding a 4-1 lead heading into the fourth, the Tigers exploded for
four runs highlighted by the two run homer to left by Knop and RBI’s by
Hurdle and Monnin, opening the score up to an 8-1 Versailles bulge.
On defense, the Tigers were flawless in the field.
“I’m really pleased with our defense,” Heitcamp admitted. “”Earlier
this season, we made a few switches and now I think they’ve really
found their groove and playing well together.”
On the rubber, Tiger pitcher Rachel Wenning allowed the Flyers 11 hits
on the day but with a solid defense gave up just three runs as Marion
Local stranded seven base runners.
In addition, Wenning fanned two while walking just one.
“My pitching is solid,” Heitcamp said. “Rachel does a great job out
there but the defense is the key.”
With defense being the key to the Tigers success, Wenning had some
solid defense behind her with the biggest play coming in the sixth.
With the bases full of Flyers and only one out, local’s Allison
Groesbeck ripped a shot to third that was fielded cleanly by Huddle.
Huddle threw the ball home, knocking off the lead runner.
Catcher Samantha Kremer pivoted, threw to first and doubled up
Groesbeck on a bang, bang play to end the Flyers threat.
Kristen Langston led the hit parade for the Tigers with three
knocks and a run scored.
McEldowney and Knop had two hits each with five others collecting
single hits.
With the win, the Tigers went to 15-5 on the season.
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