Softball 3/11/2021 12:16:00 PM

Jaguars Explode for 50 Runs against Kishwaukee to Open Season

Gifford and Wharton with Home Runs in the Opener

DANVILLE, ILLINOIS – The Lady Jaguars started their softball season on fire with an explosive offensive display.  The Jaguars opened up against Kishwaukee on March 8^th and won both contests 26-0 and 24-6 respectively.

Game One

Alexia Ham got the start for the Jaguars, Ham went 3.0 innings striking out 6 and allowing only one Kougar hit. Kerrigan Shafer came in the game as relief and was flawless for 2 innings. Shafer struck out 1, walked 1 and gave up 1 hit, surrendering zero runs.

13 Jaguars collected hits in the game, leading the Jaguar offense was Kelly Smith 3-3 with 3 RBI's, Hailee Gifford 3-3 with 3 RBI's including a solo shot to center, Jordan Wharton 2-2 2 RBI's and Solo HR to Center.  Kylie Neuman was 3-4 at the dish, scoring 3 runs and driving in 3 RBI's.  Kaitlyn Loewenstein 3-4, 3 runs scored and 1 RBI. Ashlynn McTagertt 2-3, 2 runs scored with 1 RBI.  Neuman and Smith each collected two doubles each in the contest, Gifford and Stal also contributed with doubles respectively. Kaitlyn Loewenstein added two stolen bases, while Neuman, Smith, Gifford, Danielle Shuey, Baylee Parker, Mikayla Campbell and Jordan Wharton each added one stolen base a piece.

Game Two

Hannah Forrest got the nod in game two, Forrest pitched 1.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, 6 runs, 2 earned runs, while striking out 2.  Kayla West picked up the win in the contest as she relieved Forrest.  West struck out 4, walked 2, gave up 0 hits, 0 runs in 3.1 innings of work.

9 Jaguars collected hits in the contest. Ashlynn McTagertt was explosive at the dish going 3-4 with 3 RBI's and 3 runs scored.  Jordan Wharton was electric as well going 2-3 with 3 runs scored.  Kelly Smith went 2-3 with 2 RBI's.  Kerrigan Shafer collected her first collegiate hit in powerful fashion hitting a double and plating 2 RBI's.  Alexia Ham also collected her first collegiate hits, going 2-2 and collecting 2 RBI's.

Coach Cervantes, "I loved the way we swung the bat today, it was a total team performance with everyone getting an opportunity to swing the stick. Our defense was on point and our pitching was dominant. I am excited to see how our offense and defense play out as we move through the season. Ultimately, I was just really excited to see our girls having the opportunity to play softball again. After last seasons pandemic shift, I know our girls were itching to compete and today was a great way to showcase how hard they work."

The Jaguars will now shift focus to powerhouse and nationally ranked #8 Kirkwood on a Wednesday night match up.

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Players Mentioned

#22 Hailee Gifford: INF/ UT; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#20 Kelly Smith: INF/ UT; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#23 Alexia Ham: P/UTL; 5' 6"; Freshman

#10 Kylie Neuman: MIF/OF; 5' 5"; Freshman

#14 Kerrigan Shafer: P; 5' 10"; Freshman

#42 Jordan Wharton: MIF/OF./C; 5' 4"; Sophomore

#6 Baylee Parker: OF; 5' 6"; Freshman

#8 Kaitlyn Loewenstein: MIF/UTL; 5' 4"; Freshman

#12 Ashlynn McTagertt: MIF/UTL; 5' 5"; Freshman

#15 Danielle Shuey: OF/UTL; 5' 3"; Freshman

#19 Kayla West: P/UTL; 5' 5"; Freshman

#21 Hannah Forrest: P; 5' 4"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#22 Hailee Gifford
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: INF/ UT

#20 Kelly Smith
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: INF/ UT

#23 Alexia Ham
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: P/UTL

#10 Kylie Neuman
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: MIF/OF

#14 Kerrigan Shafer
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: P

#42 Jordan Wharton
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: MIF/OF./C

#6 Baylee Parker
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: OF

#8 Kaitlyn Loewenstein
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: MIF/UTL

#12 Ashlynn McTagertt
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: MIF/UTL

#15 Danielle Shuey
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: OF/UTL

#19 Kayla West
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: P/UTL

#21 Hannah Forrest
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: P