VHS softball opens season with DH wins

Vermillion's SDHAA-sanctioned softball team opened its season with head coach Lori Jerred by facing Garretson in Sioux Falls. In the doubleheader win, the scores were 8-0 and 4-3.

Game #1 – Jenny Bye pitched a one-hitter, striking out nine batters in five innings. She also went 2 for 4 batting. Ashley Ouellette was 3 for 4 at the bat.

Game #2 – Brianna Brinkman pitched the first four innings with one strikeout, and Jenny finished the six-inning game with five strikeouts. Jenny went 3 for 3 at the plate, and Katie Kashas and Molly LeCates were each 2 for 3.

The Tanagers were down 3-1 after four innings. Erica Johnson got on base with a fielder's choice, and scored on hits from Kayla Munger and Jenny Bye. We were still down by one in the bottom of the sixth, when Katie Kashas and Brianna Brinkman got on base with singles.

Molly LeCates moved them around with a perfect bunt to load the bases. Erica Johnson hit a liner past third base and the Tanagers had their 4-3 victory.

The coach was very pleased with the Tanagers' performance.

"They came together as a team and played very well. Jenny Bye pitched nearly perfect game winners and went 5 for 7 hitting," coach Jerred said.

The Tanagers will be hosting Tea on Sept. 9, and Canton on Sept. 16 at the softball complex in Vermillion.