Lady Broncos weathering tough fastpitch season

Tuesday’s fastpitch doubleheader likely determined the fate of the LRS fastpitch team. The team went into Tuesday’s games at Reardan needing a pair of wins over the winless Lady Indians in order to finish in sixth place in Northeast 2B League play.

When Tuesday’s games were finished, Reardan had emerged the winner, taking both games, 14-9 and 13-3, pushing LRS into last place and out of postseason play.

For the Lady Broncos, a thin roster has contributed to a challenging season. Last week on Tuesday the team was quickly dispatched by Northwest Christian in a doubleheader played here.

The Lady Crusaders, who played in the 2013 state championship game, won the first game in four innings 22-0. Jana Mattox was the LRS pitcher with three strike outs in the game. Kim Gimmaka had the only hit for LRS.

The teams ended the second game after three innings, with NWC winning, 23-0.

Mattox handled the pitching duties for the Lady Broncos.

Soraida Chavez and Mattox each had singles. Gimmaka had two singles in the game.

Earlier this season the Lady Broncos cancelled a doubleheader with Davenport. Those games will be played on Wednesday, May 1, in Ritzville. This Saturday the team hosts Mary Walker/Springdale in what would have been the last games of the regular season.

Head coach Paul McAnally praised the players for continuing to participate.

“We are focused on playing with poise and dignity,” he said. “The girls are coming to practice and working hard. They are doing what it takes to prepare for each game.”

During Tuesday’s outings with Reardan, The first game went seven innings and was one of the most even battles of the season during the first four innings.The Lady Broncos had 13 hits in the game.

Gimmaka was three for five. Jordan Schultz was two for five and Raeann Hoeft was two for four. Chrissy Field had her first hit of the season during the game. Mattox handled the pitching assignment and recorded two strikeouts.

In the second game the Lady Indians gave LRS fits, winning the contest in five innings. Mattox recorded three strikeouts in the game.

Gimmaka was two for three at the plate. Haley Neisinger had a single, her first hit of the season.