Iowa Mennonite School

The IMS softball team extended their season Thursday evening by beating Lone Tree 3-1 in the first round of Regionals.  After a coin toss determined that Lone Tree would be the home team play started with IMS leading things off.  In the first two inning IMS was unable to get anything going offensively and Lone Tree was unable to capitalize on key opportunities twice by having runners in scoring position with one out which would seem to be the theme for the night.  Lone Tree was able to strike first scoring their only run in the bottom of the third inning with a lead off bunt for a hit which then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt.  With one out the next batter hit a double to the gap scoring the run putting Lone tree in business with another runner in scoring position.  A infield fly and ground out would end the inning holding Lone tree to one run.  

The IMS defense again would come through in the top of the fourth inning when Lone Tree had their first two batters reach base to put runners on first and second with no outs.  A sacrifice would move the runners to second and third but Megan Haifley came through with a diving catch for the second out and a ground out would end the inning to get IMS out of the inning.  

IMS  used the momentum to get their bats going. Jacayla Litwiller led the inning off with a walk and McKayla Brush laid down a perfect bunt allowing Jacayla to take second and third with only one out.  Litwiller was able to score on a Keilah Brokaw hit to the short stop and Brokaw reached third on a throwing error and later scored on a sacrifice by Naomi Miller putting IMS in the lead 2-1.  Lone Tree would not go down easily loading the bases in the bottom of the fifth inning with no outs.  Again the IMS defense came through with the needed plays.  With the infield in, a grounder to Keilah Brokaw would get the force at home for one out.  The next batter hit a hard line drive to center field where Mo Brenneman made the catch and then threw the runner at second out for the double play to end the inning and get IMS out of the jam.  The next two innings would be fairly uneventful for both teams and IMS would take the win moving them to the next round of the tournament to face Highland Friday evening at Riverside. 

“This was a great example of the team that takes care of the little things will win the game. Tonight we did that.  We were able to make key plays when we needed to which allowed us to get out of a number of jams.  I am proud of how hard these girls played tonight. It is a testament to how hard work and playing as a team puts you in the position to win,”  commented Head coach Chris Nachtigall.  

IMS was led by Megan Haifley 1-3, Mo Brenneman 1-4, Laura Hochstetler 1-2 with a double, Keilah Brokaw with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI, Jacayla Litwiller 1 run scored. Laura Hochstetler got the win on the mound scattering seven hits and allowing one run with 4 K’s and 5 walks.

IMS is 12-14 and will play Highland tomorrow night at 7 pm at Riverside.