BY RICK ARGALL
MMC STAFF
The Merrill Varsity Bluejays Softball Team (6-16) hosted a regional playoff game versus Rhinelander (1-15) at the Merrill Area Recreation Complex on Friday, May 17, 2024. The game would mark the last home game of the season for Merrill, as they cruised to an 11-0 win over the Hodags.
“It was a fun game. We put good things together piece by piece and everybody did what we were supposed to do,” said Head Coach Ali Krohn. “When you do the little things right, it works out for you, so this will be good going into Tuesday when we go to New London.”
The Bluejays jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after one inning and dominated the game behind strong pitching from Senior Sophie Wendorf (5.0 IP, 2 H, 6 SO, 0 ER) who earned the win. Merrill was led at the plate by Ava Detert (1-1, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB), Senior Lexi Ollhoff (2-3, 1 R, 2 RBI), and Senior pitcher Sophie Wendorf (1-3, 2 RBI), as the game was called after 5 innings due to the 10 run rule. Mia Ott and Mackenzie Herdt each had two walks apiece, and Mia Ott added three stolen bases to pace the offense. The Bluejays totaled 11 runs for the game on seven hits and no errors.
Merrill advances to the second round of the 2024 WIAA State Girls Softball Tournament Regionals at New London on Tuesday, May 21.
Box Score:
Rhinelander 0 @ Merrill 11
