March 19, 2024

C-M softball rallies past Montezuma

MONTEZUMA — The Colfax-Mingo softball team is one victory away from a South Iowa Cedar League championship.

The Class 1A No. 11 Tigerhawks needed a rally, but they scored six runs in the fifth inning and defeated Montezuma 7-3 on Monday.

That puts Colfax-Mingo at 12-2 in conference play with one game to go. A win over North Mahaska on Wednesday gives the Tigerhawks the outright title. A loss to the Warhawks means C-M will split the title with Sigourney.

Monday, junior Amy Russell improved to 11-4 in the circle. She struck out 10, walked one and allowed two earned runs on three hits. Russell also collected two hits and a walk at the plate.

Montezuma plated three runs in third. The Bravettes kept the 3-0 lead until the fifth when the Tigerhawks sent 11 batters to the plate.

Sophomore Ries Wilson began the inning with a double and then Russell reached on an error. Wilson was plated on junior Alivia Haley’s RBI single.

Alivia Haley tied the game when her and Russell both scored on sophomore Rhiannon Haley’s two-run double. Rhiannon Haley eventually gave the Tigerhawks the lead after scoring on a passed ball.

Freshman Colbee Cunningham started another rally with a single. She scored on freshman Braedynn Rawlins’ RBI double.

Freshmen Mackensie Brown and Delaney Underwood also singled in the inning. Brown crossed home plate on Wilson’s RBI sacrifice fly.

The Tigerhawks added an insurance run in the seventh. Wilson, Russell, Alivia Haley and Rhiannon Haley all singled on consecutive at-bats with one out.

Wilson scored on Alivia Haley’s RBI single to make it 7-3.

Colfax-Mingo had 18 hits in the game but committed two errors and stranded 14 runners on base.

Wilson, Alivia Haley and Rhiannon Haley all finished with three hits. Wilson scored twice and Alivia and Rhiannon Haley each had two RBIs.

Russell, Cunningham, Rawlins and Underwood all had two hits. Russell also walked once.

Katie Maschmann had two of Montezuma’s three hits. The Bravettes drew two walks and stranded six on base.

The Tigerhawks (19-9) step out of the SICL at 7 p.m. Tuesday when they travel to Class 3A No. 13 Collins-Maxwell/Baxter.

The final SICL game against North Mahaska is 6 p.m. Wednesday in Colfax.