Spartan dynamic duo blast BHRA

Lighting fast swings thundered in St. Joseph earlier today producing a magnificent storm of Spartan home runs against Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin. SJO batters homered seven times in the 18-8 five inning affair.


Kennedy Hudson takes a swing at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley pitch in the Spartans' home season opener. Nine days later, the freshman slugger pounds a home run in SJO's home game against Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)


The junior dynamic duo of Hannah Dukeman and Bailey Dowling hit two home runs apiece in the slaughter. Dukeman enjoyed a five RBI day, four courtesy of her base clearing grand slam.

Both were one away from joining 63 other players in the IHSA all-time records who have hit three or more home runs in a single softball game.

Home run hitting today was not limited to just the junior class. Freshman Kennedy Hudson as well as sophomore Kaylee Ward made sure the underclassmen were representing in the slugfest with one home run each. Meanwhile Savannah Smith stepped up to pummel a long ball for the senior class.

Raegan Crippen had four hits as the Spartans notch their fifth win to continue their undefeated season.

SJO is scheduled to play their next home game on March 8 against Illini Prairie Central foe Rantoul after a five-plus game road campaign against Maroa-Forsyth, Tri-Valley, Lincoln, Villa Grove and a run for the tournament title at the annual Rantoul Invitational.

Ashtyn Cromwell earned the four-inning win for the Spartans adding four strikeouts to her season total.


Box Score
Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin   0 5   0 3 0 - -   8 - -
St. Joseph-Ogden . . . . . . . . . . .      1 4 10 1 2 - - 18 - -

Spartan softball notches first conference win

St. Joseph-Ogden's Zoey Witruk struck out nine batters in a complete game shutout performance over Illinois Valley Central in their first conference softball contest of the season. Scoring two runs at the top of the seventh inning, SJO defeated IVC, 4-0.

Spartans got two hits from junior Hannah Dukeman. Kaylee Ward was credited with 2 RBI to aid the Spartans to an undefeated 4-0 early season record.

IVC's Cassie Kirman had a pair of hits for the Ghosts.

Next up, the Spartans will face Bismarck-Henning at home on Wednesday, March 27.


Box Score
St. Joseph-Ogden . .   1 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 7 0
Illinois Valley Central   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
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