Rylynn Krein pitched all 8 innings of the 1-0 loss at Sartell on Friday, striking out 14 batters and walking only two, while allowing just 3 hits.  Madi Budke and Krein had the only two hits for Fergus Falls.

In game two, Krein pitched the first inning, but Karyssa Eberle came in and pitched 3 innings of relief, recording 6 strikeouts.  “Sartell struggled a little bit right away adjusting to Karyssa, but eventually found their groove,” stated Fergus Falls Head Coach Devonie Smith.  “We then switched to Jen Neigel for one inning, but we struggled to make a comeback.  Throughout the night we were able to put the ball in play, but just struggled to find those gaps.  Our defense has continued to impress me.  We’ve had few practices lately due to the long winter condensing all of our games on the schedule, so most of our teaching has had to be in the moment while we are in the middle of games.  Our girls have been so receptive to everything we have thrown at them.  Our defensive game has really started to click and come together, it has just been a matter of getting things to click with the bats.”

At the Park Rapids Tournament the Otters had a really strong day in the field and they were finally able to get the bats in their favor, collecting a total of 51 hits in their three games.  “I don’t think a single person went home without a hit,” said Coach Smith. “It was so fun to finally see the bats really come to life and the excitement the girls had.  You could just see the confidence in themselves continue to grow throughout the day.”

Budke and Krein each had 3 hits in the win against Perham, while McKenzie Sjolie and Bella Abrahams had 2 hits apiece.  Krein hit her first home run of the season.  Eberle pitched all seven innings with 5 strikeouts.  She had strong defense behind her as the Otters only had one error.

That first game momentum carried over into the second game victory over the host Panthers.  The Otters had 22 hits in the game.  Krein pitched 3 innings, fanning 5 batters, and Eberle relieved her pitching 4 innings and recording 6 strikeouts.  Sjolie led the team with 5 hits and 3 RBI, including her first varsity home run.  Krein (4H, 2B, 3B), Abrahams (3H) and Neigel (3H) also came through at the plate.

In the championship game, Krein opened up in the circle and struck out 7 Fertile-Beltrami hitters before giving way to Eberle.  Neigel finished up, recording 3 strikeouts.  Krein had 4 hits and drove in 3 runs to lead the offensive effort.  Karlie Petersen and Sjolie contributed 3 hits each with Sjolie and Krein each going deep in the game.