March 28, 2024

Raiders’ season, program ends in shocking fashion

COLLINS — The Class 2A No. 1 Collins-Maxwell/Baxter softball team had a runner on base in every inning, but two big hits by Des Moines Christian was enough to end the Raiders’ season and program in dramatic and stunning fashion.

Senior Abbey Kahler struck out eight of the first nine batters she faced and allowed only three hits and one walk in the game but two of the hits were two-run home runs during a 4-0 loss in a 2A Region 7 semifinal on Friday.

It was the only time CMB was shut out this season.

The Raider girls took off the black and silver uniform for the final time, finishing the season 26-6.

Baxter begins its era as Bolts and Collins-Maxwell becomes the Spartans starting next month.

Kahler took the loss after allowing four runs on three hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. Alayna Bakke walked and hit a double off Kahler. She was on base for Emma Veenstra and Olivia Penland’s two-run home runs in the fourth and sixth innings.

Penland was the winner in the circle for Des Moines Christian (19-12). She allowed no runs on six hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

Sophomore Hannah Caple had two hits for the Raiders, who had their nine-game winning streak snapped.

Senior Megan Ritter had one hit and two steals, junior Jordynn Wesselink finished with one hit and one walk and senior Mikayla Eslinger and freshmen Abby Husak and Holly Jessen had one hit apiece.

The Raiders put a cap on their softball program with back-to-back conference championships. They were fifth at last year’s 3A state tournament.