3 Game win streak ends for Hi-Liner Softball

After riding a three-game winning streak into Thursday’s matchup, the Valley City Hi-Liners softball team ran into a tough stretch inning and fell to the Northern Cass Jaguars 8-2. Despite the loss, the Hi-Liners continue to show growth and competitiveness as they move into the heart of the regular season with a 9-5 overall record.

Northern Cass struck early with two runs in the opening inning before Valley City answered back in the second. The Hi-Liners tied the game at 2-2 after freshman Jaye Potratz scored on passed-ball action and Bethani Schuldheisz drove in another run with a single to right field.

For much of the game, Valley City battled well defensively behind Noelle Quattry, who settled in after the first inning and recorded multiple strikeouts while keeping the Jaguars off balance through the middle innings. Northern Cass eventually broke the game open in the fifth inning with a six-run frame fueled by timely hits, walks, and aggressive baserunning.

Offensively, the Hi-Liners scattered hits throughout the game from Bethani Schuldheisz, Adalie Jewett, Delaney Everhart, and Ashlynn Hartsell. Valley City also continued to show effort in the small-game approach with sacrifice bunts and aggressive baserunning late in the contest.

Even with the setback, the Hi-Liners remain in a solid position heading toward the stretch run before region tournament play begins. Valley City has played some of its best softball over the past two weeks and continues to develop consistency with a younger roster gaining valuable varsity experience every game.

Valley City Offensive Leaders

• Bethani Schuldheisz

  • 1-for-3

  • RBI single

  • Walk

  • 1 RBI

• Adalie Jewett

  • 1-for-3

  • Single

• Delaney Everhart

  • 1-for-1

  • Single off the bench

• Ashlynn Hartsell

  • 1-for-1

  • 7th inning single

• Jaye Potratz

  • Hit by pitch

  • Scored 1 run

  • Sacrifice bunt

Team Notes

• Valley City finished with 4 hits

• The Hi-Liners scored both runs in the 2nd inning

• Valley City drew 3 walks and was hit by a pitch once

• The Hi-Liners also used aggressive small ball with multiple sacrifice attempts

Pitching Breakdown

Noelle Quattry

• 4.2 innings pitched

• 6 strikeouts

• Allowed 6 earned runs

• Battled through traffic most of the afternoon before Northern Cass opened things up in the 5th

Delaney Everhart

• 2.1 innings pitched

• 3 strikeouts

• Allowed 2 runs

• Also threw out a bunt attempt and helped settle the game late

Photos courtesy of Alyssa Thomsen Photography