Lady Vikes finish strong on D, hold off Mo. Valley 3-2

 AVOCA (June 23) -- AHSTW’s first seven games of the softball season have featured a mixed bag of results, in both execution and the win-loss column.
 But the final inning of Tuesday’s 3-2 win against Missouri Valley may have offered a sneak peak at how this year’s Lady Vikes are truly capable of playing.
 As junior pitcher Kailey Jones put the finishing touches on a four-hitter, AHSTW’s defense saved its best for last against the Lady Reds.
 The top of the seventh began with a slow roller toward second baseman Madison Heiny, who charged the ball nicely and made an accurate throw across her body to record the out. Moments later, shortstop Ally Meyers fielded a ball in the hole and made a strong throw across the diamond to a stretching first baseman Tristin Heiny. The game then ended with a good read and nice running catch in shallow center by veteran outfielder Sydney Zimmerman.
 The Lady Vikes improved to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the Western Iowa Conference while Mo. Valley dropped to 2-4 and 2-2, respectively.
 “We’ve got to play to our potential, and that’s it,” said AHSTW head coach G.G. Harris of the final inning.
 “We’re not going to play perfect, but we know what it feels like, we know what it looks like and that’s got to be where our focus goes to. And even when we’re not (involved) in those plays, we need to be visualizing ourselves making those plays. If we do, even though the season is short, I still think we can play some good softball at the end.”
 Jones (3-3) was able to outduel Lady Red senior Ashlyn Cook on the night as nearly every run was unearned. She walked one, hit two batters and struck out six while allowing four singles, showcasing good movement overall on a nice mix of pitches.
 Down 1-0, AHSTW played some effective small ball in the third to score all three of its runs. Morgan Heiny was hit-by-pitch to start the rally and back-to-back sacrifice bunts resulted in dropped throws at first base as the Lady Vikes took a 2-1 lead. Zimmerman’s RBI infield single made it 3-1.

 
 

 

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