The Tomahawk softball team opened up the post-season in strong fashion, knocking off Northland Pines 11-5 at home on Thursday after plating five in the first.
“It was a solid win for the Hatchets,” THS coach John Larson said. “Alex really kept Pines off-balance, striking out 11 Eagles on the night.
“The Hatchets collected 13 hits, some nice hits and some great bunts. Defensively, the Hatchets were very solid in the win.
“It was a good team win that gets us an opportunity on Tuesday (May 27).”
Fourth-seed THS played at #1 Mosinee on Tuesday. The winner plays in the regional final on Thursday.
Heidi Massa, Maggie Gudinas, DuPlayee and Mandy Timm all had multiple hits.
N. Pines– 003 002 0–7.
Tomahawk– 502 031 x–11.
TP: DuPlayee 7 I, 10 H, 2 W, 10 K, 5 R, 3 ER. TH: 13 H, 5 W; Heidi Massa (3-3, 2 RBI), Gudinas (2-3, 3 RBI), DuPlayee (2-4), Timm (2-4), Adrianna Schultz (1-4, 2B).
Tomahawk improved to 9-12 overall.