Roundup of softball games played March 26 involving intercity teams

Pontiac 1, BHS 0

Emily Tesdal struck out 12, walked one and allowed one hit while pitching the Pontiac High School softball team to a 1-0, eight-inning, season-opening win over visiting Bloomington Monday.

Abby Smith drove in the winning run on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded. Smith finished with two of her team's three hits including a double.

"I thought it was a good first win for us," said Pontiac coach Amy Krause. "Emily kept us in the game until we were able to push across the winning run in the eighth."

Stephanie Butler (0-1) took the loss for BHS (0-1). She fanned two and walked two.

"We were anxious at the plate," said BHS coach Murray Hynes, whose team managed to put runners at first and third in the eighth with help from a single by Blair Brown. "We had an opportunity in the top of the eighth and didn't take advantage of it. Defensively, I thought we did real well."

Normal West 5, Washington 0

For the first time in April Schermann's four-year coaching career, her Normal West softball team hit three home runs in the nonconference road win.

Heading into the fifth with the game scoreless, Torie Kovanic belted a two-run homer. Jenna Ioerger, the next batter, also smacked a home run in the fifth.

"We just exploded in the fifth," Schermann said. "I was really happy with the power at the plate."

Kirsten Gee added a solo shot in the sixth. Nina Reimer added on RBI. Jenn Murray picked up the win, striking out ten batters against five hits and four walks.

"I was pleased with the entire game," Schermann said.