Wolvesí defense falters in
title game against Big Lake
Posted 5/30/02

Milacaís objective heading into the Section 6AA Sub-Section 18 Softball Tournament title game was a break-through hitting performance against against Big Lake pitching ace Kayte Klesk.

The Wolves accomplished that, cracking nine hits off Klesk Thursday, May 23, at Whitney Park in St. Cloud. However, Milacaís defense unexpectedly let it down as it committed six errors in a 7-3 loss to the Hornets.

"We knew we had to string some hits to beat Klesk and we got the hits," said Milaca Coach Randy Johnson. "But, we had our worst defensive game of the season.

"That was tough because many of the games we won this season were because of pitching and defense."

The Wolves still gained a berth to the Section 6AA Tournament but went into the double-elimination meet with one loss because they were the No. 2 seed from Section 18.

Milaca was scheduled to face Melrose Tuesday afternoon (May 28) at Whitney Park. Melrose, which lost to St. Cloud Cathedral 3-2 in the Sub-Section 19 title game May 23, also entered the section meet with one loss.

Big Lake was scheduled to meet Cathedral Tuesday afternoon, with the loser facing the Milaca-Melrose winner Tuesday night.

The championship game is scheduled today (Thursday) at 5 oíclock at Whitney Park. A second game will follow tonight, if needed.

Previously, Klesk had pitched a two-hitter in topping Milaca 1-0 in last yearís sub-section title game and a two-hitter while stopping Milaca 2-0 in a non-conference game earlier this season.

Klesk carried a 14-1 record into the game and had pitched four no-hitters this season.

"Sheís tough but we were on her pitches," said Johnson.

Milaca, which had a 9-7 edge in hits, rallied with two runs in the bottom of the third inning to tie the score at 2-2.

The Wolves took a 3-2 edge in the fourth inning when senior Ashley Sikkink led off with a triple and scored on senior Rose Keimigís single.

However, Big Lake took advantage of three Milaca errors in the fifth inning, scoring three runs to take a 5-3 lead. The Hornets then added solo runs in the sixth and seventh innings.

Keimig, senior Kacee Biederman and junior Chelsey Coffee each had a pair of singles while senior Katie VanHeel added a double to Milacaís offense.

Senior right-hander Angela Vedders pitched the distance for the Wolves, allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out six.

Klesk allowed nine hits and three walks while striking out eight.

Steph Moores had a home run for Big Lake, which boosted its record to 18-2.

The loss dropped Milaca to a 10-7 record.

The Wolves advanced to the title game by stopping Becker 3-2 in the semifinals Tuesday, May 21, at Big Lake.

Vedders pitched the distance, allowing six hits and one walk while fanning six. She retired the Bulldogs in order in four innings.

With the score tied at 2-2, Milaca scored the winning run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice ground ball by senior Carla Larsen.

Biederman led Milacaís offense as she slammed a pair of triples while Coffee had a pair of singles.

Big Lake stopped Foley 15-0 in the other semifinal game.