Softball: Burlington Central handles Marian Central

Don't say the Burlington Central softball team can't follow directions.

Rockets' coach Erica Maisto told them the importance of getting off to a fast start against Marian Central Monday. The Rockets responded, scoring 7 runs in the first two innings and holding off the Hurricanes 7-3 in nonconference action on Rocket Hill.

Gretchen Schrubbe and Danielle Yurgil drove in 3 runs apiece and Emily Kisch was solid in the circle for BC (11-3).

"I said, 'Let's jump on it right away,' and they did exactly what I said," Maisto said. "And we even executed the small ball, which I thought was very helpful. We got the bunts down when we needed to. They did a good job."

The Rockets wasted no time, scoring 4 times in the first. After singles by Kisch and Kristina Ahlers, Schrubbe drove them in with a booming triple to right center. Yurgil drove in Schrubbe with a double, then scored on Jill Neisendorf's hit.

Marian got right back in it with 3 in the second. A 2-run single by pitcher Grace Shukis was the only hit, as the Huricanes took advantage of a pair of walks by Kisch.

The Rocket got those runs right back in the bottom half. Kassie Kramer led off with a walk and moved up on a single by Kelly Wiater. Ahlers reached on an error. Schrubbe plated one run with a sacrifice fly and Yurgil drove in 2 more with a line shot to right center.

Shukis settled down after that, retiring 8 in a row before walking Yurgil in the fifth. She faced the minimum 13 batters over the final 4⅓ innings.

Kisch was just as good, allowing just 4 singles over the final 5 innings, and just 5 hits for the game. She struck out 7 and walked 3, retiring the side in order in the seventh to close it out.

The Rockets' defense returned to form. After committing 6 errors against Marengo last week, the Rockets made just 1 miscue against the Hurricanes.