MAY 28, 2024 EDITION SPORTS EDITOR: BECKY WALZ + BECKY.WALZ@DRIFTLESSJOURNAL.COM
Vikings edge out TV on softball field
ABOVE: TV’s Delaney Busta slides safely into second base as Decorah’s Jasera Tweten chases down the loose ball. BELOW: Viking senior Sydney Kipp stretches to make the low catch before Trojan Jenna Throndson reaches the bag. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Becky Walz)
Softball fans were treated to a close game Thursday between Decorah and Turkey Valley on the Vikings’ field. After the last out was recorded it was Decorah coming out on top 2-0. It was a scoreless first frame for both squads. Lillian Olson led off the bottom of the second for the Vikings getting hit by a pitch which led to the first run of the game. The Trojans looked to fight back with one of their own with a single by Addison Lutgen and a double by Layni Schuchhardt to put A. Lutgen into scoring position. Decorah ended the threat by picking off A. Lutgen at third. In the fourth inning, Morgan Vsetecka connected for a single to lead off the effort, eventually making it to third and threatened to score for the Trojans; however, three straight outs for the Vikings once again ended TV’s chance. Lauren Luzum scored Decorah’s insurance run in the fifth after taking advantage of a walk, pass ball, sac fly and wild pitch. Each squad recorded three hits in the contest with Decorah’s sophomore pitcher Clara Hjelle earning the win with 15 strikeouts. Raelen Manderfield was in the pitcher’s circle for the Trojans. Up next Decorah will host South Winn Tuesday, May 28, then travels to MFL MarMac Wednesday, May 29, in a pair of make-up JV/varsity doubleheaders that are set for 5:30
p.m. The Vikings will open the conference season at Waukon Thursday, May 30, at 7:30 p.m. The Trojans are at North Linn Wednesday, May 29, for the junior varsity and varsity twinbill at 5 p.m., then will wrap up the week at the North Fayette Valley tournament Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1. R H E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 x 2 3 0 Decorah stats Clara Hjelle (WP) – 7IP, 3H, 15K 2B – Jasera Tweten 1; 1B – Liz Bucksa 1; Lillian Olson 1; SB – Olson 1 T. Valley Decorah
TV stats Raelen Manderfield (LP) – 6IP, 2R, 2H, 5K 2B – Layni Schuchhardt 1; 1B – Morgan Vsetecka 1; Addison Lutgen 1
Freshman Liz Bucksa winds up for a hit during Thursday’s non-conference game versus Turkey Valley. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Becky Walz)
Additional coverage of Decorah, South Winn and Turkey Valley Sports can be found in the Public Opinion Newspaper print & digital editions SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT DECORAHNEWSPAPERS.COM OR CALL 563-382-4221