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Lions, Majettes split softball twin bill

Minot High softball coach Gerard Cederstrom used the word “ugly” to describe his team’s 11-6 loss to Bishop Ryan on Thursday.

“When they hit the ball back to the pitcher and it should be a routine double play, and then they score three runs. That’s ugly,” he said.

The Majettes responded in the nightcap.

Much to Cedarstrom’s satisfaction, Minot went on to secure a split of Thursday’s West Region doubleheader at South Hill Complex, winning 3-0.

“Ryan is a good team,” Cederstrom said. “They come up and hit the ball.”

The Lions hit the ball early and often in the opener.

Ryan pounded 10 hits off of Minot sophomore Marisa Andrysiak.

The Lions set the tone early in the opening contest, as they plated two runs in the opening inning.

“When you’re able to get the bats rolling early, it gets the confidence going,” Ryan coach Julie Stewart said.

The Majettes countered with a run in their half of the inning to cut their deficit in half at 2-1. Senior Hanna Andrysiak, who singled to reach base, came home on a triple from senior Kayla Budeau.

After a scoreless second inning, the flood gates opened up for both teams in the third, as both teams plated four runs in the frame.

In Ryan’s half of the inning, junior Hailee Jundt had a RBI single on a hit up the middle, and later advanced on an infield error. Senior Sheyenne Schmidt, who led off the inning with a double that hit off the left-center field fence, came around to score on the same miscue.

Ryan junior Hannah Candrian also had a RBI double in the inning, while eighth-grader Emma Passa added a two-run single.

In Minot’s half, Marisa Andrysiak helped her own cause with a two-run double. She then scored on a single by junior Brianna Walker.

The Lions plated two runs in the fourth to extend their lead to 8-5. Schmidt opened the inning with a walk, and came around to score on a double by Jundt.

Ryan added two more runs in the fifth, with both coming on groundouts. Minot got a run back in its half of the inning, as Walker singled home Andrysiak, who had doubled moments earlier.

Junior Emma Garber pitched a complete-game win for Ryan, limiting Minot to six runs on seven hits while striking out seven and walking five.

Marisa Andrysiak took the loss for Minot. She pitched seven innings, giving up 11 runs on 10 hits. She struck out six and walked four.

Jundt finished 2-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored in the win for Ryan. Passa finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs.

For Minot, Marisa Andrysiak finished 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored.

In the nightcap, Minot eighth-grader Jenna Andrysiak was lights out.

She pitched a complete-game shut out, limiting the Lions to seven hits.

“Jenna threw a great game,” Cederstrom said. “She was hitting with her pitches, and the defense played well behind her.”

Jenna Andrysiak’s received all the run support she’d need in the fourth inning, as Budeau drilled a solo home run to center field to give the Majettes a 1-0 lead. She also got additional run support in the fifth, as Hanna Andrysiak tripled home two runs to put the Majettes in front by three.

“We just didn’t adjust against that second pitcher,” Stewart said. “But Minot made plays. The ball was put in play.”

Ryan had a chance to break through in the seventh, as it got two runners on base. However, Jundt hit into a fielder’s choice to end the game.

Sophomore Eden Kramer pitched the first five innings for Ryan, and was tagged with the loss. She gave up three runs on five hits, striking out four while walking two.

“Minot is a solid and deep,” Stewart said. “They are a good team.”

Both teams travel this weekend to participate in the West Fargo Invitational.

Mark Jones covers high school sports and general assignments. Follow him on Twitter @hoopsfan27_MDN.

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