A day's wait didn't seem to matter to the Superior High School softball team as it defeated the Duluth Denfeld Hunters 6-0 Wednesday in Duluth. The game was postponed because of rain on Tuesday.
The Spartans jumped on Denfeld right away with a four-run first inning. Providing the power were Ashley Martin, who led off the game with a home run, and Chelsey Jarzin, who later in the inning belted a two-run shot.
Superior then rode the arm of junior pitcher Amanda LeBard, who finished her four-hit shutout with six strikeouts.
"We came out with another big first inning," SHS coach Amy Zembo said. "I've been stressing the importance of getting out on top and gaining the momentum early."
Superior also scored single runs in the third and fourth innings.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the third, Lauren Kontny walked, stole second and eventually scored on Ashlee Olson's bunt single. In the fourth, JeAnna Holcombe led off with a walk, moved to third on wild pitches and scored on a double steal along with Britnee Blake.
Denfeld's only threat to score came in the fourth as a batter reached on an error and Jenny Lowe hit a double to put runners on second and third. Those were the only two runners LeBard allowed past first base.
Offensively for the Spartans, Jarzin was 2-for-4 with a HR and two RBIs, Martin hit a HR, Taylor VanDamme tripled and Olson, Blake and Kontny singled.
Laura Bellamy took the loss for Denfeld, allowing seven hits with six strikeouts and four walks.
The Spartans host Duluth Central at 4:30 p.m. today then wrap up the regular season by hosting the Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes for a doubleheader at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Superior will host the same Old Abes in the opening round of the WIAA playoffs at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
