The Audubon Wheeler softball team had another impressive win on the year beating the East Sac County Raiders 9-0 in the Class 2A Region 2 quarterfinal round on Wednesday night. A massive part of the Wheelers success was the steadfast pitching from freshman Riley Miller. The ball game started off hitless in the first inning, but a tough tone was set by Miller early on striking out the first 3 Raiders batters she faced. In the bottom of the second inning Audubon managed to score 2 quick runs from two RBI singles one by Addie Hocker and the other by Anna Larsen. Then with two outs in the bottom of the second, Mattie Nielsen hit a 2-run homer to have Audubon up 4-0. The Wheelers added on to their lead in the bottom of the third with a bunt and dropped catch at home to make the game 5-0.

East Sac County continued to struggle at the plate only managing to get their first hit in the top of the fifth from Kamryn Ross. Up until the fifth inning Miller had collected 9 strikeouts. Ross’s hit could not create a rally and the next Raider hit a line fly towards left for out number three. In the bottom of the sixth inning Audubon produced 4 more runs starting with 3 straight base hits, including a Jordan Porsch 2 RBI single to build a 7-0 score.  The Wheelers wouldn’t stop there as Larsen had another big swing aimed at right field to bring in 2 more runs. Making the score 9-0 for Audubon. The top of the 7th showed some life for East Sac County as they garnered 2 base hits to put 2 runners on, but Miller would put away the final two batters with a strikeout and pop fly.

When looking back on the Wheelers strong win against the Raiders, Head Coach Andrea Schwery acknowledged the effort from her team on the night.

Miller had another impactful evening with 7 innings pitched, no runs, 13 strikeouts, and giving up only 4 hits. Nielsen swung well in the box going 2-4 with 2 RBI’s. Larsen also stuck out with her 2 hits and 3 RBI’s. Coach Schwery believes that her team’s confidence, needs to be a focus in their next round of post season play.

Audubon’s next game will be at home for the third round of regional play against the Ridge View Raptors. Coach Schwery will be preaching to her team to never underestimate an opponent.

East Sac County finishes the year with a record of 10-15.