Knights score road win at Kenai

Friday’s nonconference softball game at Steve Shearer Memorial Ball Park between host Kenai Central and Colony would have been a great warm-up for the season, if it weren’t so cold out.

The Knights, a Division I school playing just their second full game of the season, handed the Kardinals, a Division II school making their season debut, a 22-2 loss in four innings. A light pregame rain gave away to a rainbow, then to a dry sky with a brisk, cold wind that wore down fans and players alike as the contest progressed.

“This team is coming together,” said Colony head coach Tamara Finley. “They’re keeping the energy up and the camaraderie up. They’re encouraging each other and holding each other accountable.”

The Knights were sharp offensively and defensively throughout.

On offense, Colony banged out 12 hits but also had the patience to collect nine walks and three hit batters against Kenai starter Kaylee Lauritsen.

“We try to teach the girls discipline and to know where the strike zone is,” Finley said.

Kenai head coach John Manley said Lauritsen was pitching in just her second varsity game. Manley said he expected some rough patches and Lauritsen did better than expected.

“It was a good game and she’s going to get better,” Manley said.

The coach also was mostly pleased with his infield. Both shortstop Zaharah Wilshusen and second baseman Nani Rapoza made several nice plays. Third baseman Abby Every also had a solid stop, while first baseman Lexi Reis made sure catches at first.

For Colony on offense, Hailey Welcome was 2 for 2 with four runs and four RBIs, Alyssa Oswald had three runs, two hits and two RBIs, Bryanna Scarratt and Danyel Finley each had four runs, Brookelyne Helms had two RBIs, Haile Willeford had two runs and Josie Rockefeller had three runs.

Oswald also was in command for the Knights on the mound, giving up just the two runs on five hits while walking one and striking out seven. Finley said Oswald normally needs a reliever, but Friday was the first time she was able to finish off a game.

Catcher Maddi Kennedy was sure-handed, as the Kardinals took just three extra bases — two on passed balls and one on a wild pitch.

“We did not hit as well as we hoped,” Manley said. “That’s something we’ll be working on.”

Lauritsen led the way at the plate by going 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Rapoza was 1 for 2 with a run, while Lakshas and Reis had hits, and Kaidence Harvey scored Kenai’s other run.