Softball team advances in sections

The TCU Softball Team advanced in the Section 2AA Quarterfinals on Thursday with another shutout, this time against Belle Plaine.

TCU 7, Belle Plaine 0

The Titans’ record now stands at 14-6. They continue in the tournament on Saturday with a noon game versus Le Sueur-Henderson at Caswell Park in Mankato. The Giants’ overall record stands at 15-7.

The Titans got things going with three runs in the first inning, followed by one in the third and four in the fourth.

“We had a fast start which was huge for us. It takes a lot of the pressure off,” said Coach Phil Murry.

Brooke Blaschko started the Titans scoring when she reached on an error in the first inning. Ellie Singleton then reached on a fielder’s choice, followed by Blaschko scoring on a single by Elly Novak. With two outs, Singleton and Novak scored on a triple to right by Sydney Sartori.

“Sydney drove in the two runs, and played her usual solid game in the field,” said Coach Murry.

In the third inning, Singleton lead off with a home run.

“Ellie has been swinging a really hot bat recently,” Murry stated. The Titan power continued in the fourth when Lilly Barnes lead off with a single. Keilee Westlie reached on an error before Singleton hit a sacrifice fly to right to score Barnes. Elly Novak and Westlie then scored when Ellaina Novak reached on an error.

The Titans defense held Belle Plaine scoreless.

“Our defense has been very solid as of late and that has proven to be huge for us,” Murry stated. The winning pitcher was Elly Novak who pitched 7 innings, allowing 2 hits, 3 walks and getting 14 strikeouts. Belle Plaine’s pitcher, Jessica Brueggemeier, lasted 4 innings, allowed 5 hits, 7 runs, 2 walks, and had 4 strikeouts.

TCU hitters included Ellie Singleton 2- 4 with 2 runs scored, homerun and 2 RBIs, Elly Novak 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI, and Sydney Sartori 1 for 3 with a triple and 2 RBIs.