March 19, 2024

No. 2 Oskaloosa takes down Newton softball

OSKALOOSA — Newton freshman Taylor Ryan hit her first home run of the season and drove in four runs, but a slow start doomed the Cardinal softball team against Class 4A No. 2 Oskaloosa on Monday.

The Indians led 3-0 after two innings and a six-run fourth inning put the game out of reach as Oskaloosa defeated the Cardinals 9-4 in Little Hawkeye Conference play.

Ryan’s homer came during a three-run sixth inning that drew Newton to within the final score but the Cardinals (13-15 overall, 2-7 in LHC play) couldn’t get any closer.

Sydney Jenkins had a hit and scored two runs, while Karley Leiker singled and scored once. Newton was held to just five hits by Oskaloosa starter Alexis Groet though. Groet struck out nine and walked none in the complete-game win.

Payton Maher took the loss for Newton. She allowed six earned runs on seven hits, walked six and struck out five.

Kylee Silliman and Aubrey Miller did most of the damage for the Indians (22-2, 6-2) at the plate. Both Silliman and Miller homered and drove in three runs. Silliman also had two hits an scored twice.