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North Boone softball wins fourth in a row
The North Boone Vikings’ varsity softball team had an excellent week with a trio of victories last week. The victories extended the Vikings’ most recent winning streak to four games.
Coming into the week, North Boone held an overall record of 12-3. They were also fresh off a weekend victory over Belvidere North. With a busy week ahead, the Vikings had no time to waste as they traveled to face off with Rock Falls on April 22.
North Boone hopped off the busses and right into the score column in the top of the first. Camryn Carter got the scoring started with a one-run double to right, driving Lauren Stefek in to score. With two outs, Marlee Alderman singled to right, driving in Audrey Pearce and giving the Vikings a 2-0 lead.
North Boone tacked on another run in the second. After two quick outs, Sydney Goodman singled on a liner to the left side. Stefek followed up with an RBI double to center to extend the lead.
Carter was in the pitcher’s circle for the Vikings, and she gave the Rock Falls offense fits. In seven complete innings, Carter allowed just two earned runs off five hits while striking out eight.
At the plate, the North Boone bats supported their pitcher’s efforts. Sydney had a three-hit day, going three for four with three runs scored. Stefek went two for four with two runs scored and two RBIs. In total, North Boone combined for twelve hits in the victory.
The very next day, the Vikings were back on the road as they traveled to take on Genoa-Kingston.
The Vikings dominated this one from start to finish. They got off to another hot start with a pair of runs in the top of the first. After a four-run fourth, North Boone held an 8-0 lead.
They put the finishing touches on a 13-0 victory with five runs in the top of the seventh. The win improved the Vikings’ record to 14-3 on the year.
Carter was back in the circle, this time for a complete game shutout. In seven innings, Carter allowed just four hits and one walk, while striking out six.
At the plate, Danielle Goodman had an epic day. Going five for five, Danielle had three doubles and seven RBIs in a game to be remembered. Stefek was three for five with three runs scored. Sydney went two for five with a pair of runs scored and two RBIS. Avarie Torres was one for five with two RBIS. Hayden Staver went two for four with a run scored.
The Vikings closed the week with a home matchup against Stillman Valley on Thursday, April 25. Stillman Valley is a solid softball team, and they brought a record of 17-6 with them into the matchup.
North Boone was the hot team, however, and they showed that on their home field. After a few scoreless innings of a pitcher’s battle, the North Boone bats came through in a big way.
After having the day off, Carter returned to the pitcher’s circle for her third start of the week. Facing off with one of the better lineups the Vikings have seen this year, Carter brought her A-game.
Perhaps more importantly, the defense had one of their best games, as well. North Boone played a clean game with zero errors, which helped keep the pressure off Carter, who allowed seven hits in the game.
A common theme of the week for Carter was her ability to strike out more batters than hits she had allowed. The same was true against Stillman Valley, where she struck out nine batters in total.
The North Boone offense needed that performance from their defense. The Vikings combined for just four hits in the game, which left them with few scoring opportunities. When Torres stepped to the plate with two outs in a 0-0 game in the bottom of the fourth, she created a scoring opportunity of her own. Crushing a liner over the center field fence, Torres hit a two-run homer, giving North Boone their first lead of the day.
The Vikings tacked on a trio of insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth. Alderman had the big hit as her one-run double gave the Vikings a 4-0 lead.
In the end, the Vikings picked up a 5-1 victory for their 15th win of the season.
The Vikings continue to prove their all-around ability on the field. They have the trifecta with their pitching, defense, and hitting ability. Sometimes you need all three to beat the better teams, and they did just that against Stillman Valley.
