Storm Softball topple three to capture Deer River Tournament

   The Hill City-Northland (HC-N) Storm captured first place in the Deer River Tournament, taking down Deer River, Nevis and Braham going undefeated in the tournament.

   Eighth grader Maddie Barnes pitched the first four innings against Deer River to start out the tournament. Freshman Kaija Neary pitched the final inning as the Storm topped the tournament host 14-4. Alynza Welk had two hits and a pair of RBIs with a run scored while Neary had a pair of hits, scored three runs and drove in another. McKenzie Casper had two hits to go with two scored runs, Sage Ahonen had two hits and two stolen bases and Randi Wilson blasted a two run triple.

   Next up was the Nevis Tigers who fell to the Storm in a 16-0 four inning shut out. 

   Neary hit the mound for the shutout alowing just one hit, one walk and five strike outs. Shaley Pearson accounted for four hits, three doubles, scoring three runs and driving in four. Emma Finke had three hits, two doubles, scored four runs and three RBIs. Casper hit twice, scored three runs while Wilson added a pair of hits and RBIs, Riley Wilson added two hits.

   The girls finished the tournament against Braham with a 16-6 win in six innings. Shaley Pearson pitched the first four innings allowing three earned runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out seven. Neary came in for the final two innings for the save.

   The Storm put the game on ice with a nine run sixth inning. Save Ahonen had a pair of hits and four RBIs and Ally Zapzalka pounded a two run triple finishing with three RBIs and a pair of runs scored.