Orwig’s 13 Ks lead Geneva over W. Aurora
West Aurora had its heads down after committing 7 errors in a season-opening 6-0 loss to Geneva Thursday, but the Blackhawks need look no further than the team that beat them to see how fast things can turn around.
The Vikings (2-1) haven’t taken long to put their own opening 15-0 loss to Benet in the rearview mirror, outscoring Jacobs and West Aurora 12-1 the past two days.
“It was a rough opener but it was good to see where we are at,” winning pitcher Haley Orwig said. “We can only get better from there.”
That is what West Aurora coach Sara Nagy is hoping for after seeing her team whiff 13 times against Orwig. West Aurora was its own worst enemy allowing run after run on wild pitches, dropped third strikes and errors.
“I think a lot of jitters out there and not quite settled in,” Nagy said. “They were very nervous for some reason.”
Geneva jumped ahead with 2 runs in the third. Leadoff hitter Anna Geary, who received a rendition of “Happy Birthday” from her teammates after the game, walked to start the rally. The freshman center fielder reached base all four times and scored twice.
Geary eventually scored on a passed ball, and Amanda Ebert drove home Kirsten Searcy with a line-drive single to left.
“When I get up there to bat and I start stressing out a little, and all I have to do is take a deep breath and just relax and remember what my hitting coach said,” Ebert said. “I’m pretty proud of that hit.”
Kelly Gordon scored on a dropped third strike in the third, then the Vikings put the game away with three runs in the sixth. Clare Stribling walked before the Blackhawks again fell victim to defensive miscues.
Orwig didn’t allow a hit until the fifth on her way to her 13-strikeout, 2-hit shutout performance.
“Coming of yesterday I had a lot of confidence and I felt good today and my arm was just loose,” Orwig said. “I just wanted to throw strikes. I just tried to hit my spots as much as I could.”
The Vikings played without one of their best hitters Elena Wright who is at the University of Alabama for registration. She will be back for Monday’s game at Zion-Benton, a late addition to the schedule.
“She (Orwig) was sharp today,” Geneva coach Greg Dierks said. “She has got better every game. Her command has got better and she got ahead in the count. Our pitching and defense has got better each game.”
Nagy pointed to a pinch-hit double by Julianna Evischi as one of the highlights while sophomores Kaylee Hayton and Gianna Drager shared the pitching.
“I’m very proud of both of them working through the lack of support and keeping their heads up,” Nagy said.