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St. Francis 3, Chisago Lakes 1

The Wildcats were one out away from a 1-0 win over St. Francis Monday, April 21. But a bloop single, controversial call and a just-missed great catch opened the door for three St. Francis runs in the top of the seventh inning. The Wildcats couldn't respond in the bottom of the seventh, losing 3-1 at home.

With two outs in the top of the seventh, a St. Francis batter blooped a single down the right field line that barely dropped in fair territory. The St. Francis runner tried to steal second, and was ruled safe on a very controversial call.

The next batter hit a grounder that looked like it would end the game. But a Wildcat error put runners on first and third. The next batter hit a fly ball to short center field. Shortstop Ariel Novak raced out toward the ball, leaped and got her glove on it. As she hit the ground, the ball popped loose for a single, scoring the runner from third to tie the game at 1-1. The next batter ripped a double to right center to score two runs and give the Fighting Saints a 3-1 lead.

The Wildcats scored their only run in the fourth inning. Mallory Schneider, Ariel Novak and Tracy Schneider singled to load the bases with no outs. Mallory Schneider scored on Lisa Schommer's ground ball, but Novak was forced out at third. A popup and a groundout ended a promising Wildcat threat, setting the stage for the Fighting Saint's late-inning comeback.

"It was nice to get a run in the fourth," said Wildcat head coach Herb Jangor. "But we needed to get at least one more key hit that inning. That game is about as heartbreaking a loss as you're going to have. We had three plays in a row in the seventh that just didn't go our way. Our girls played a good game. We're proud that they played hard, played together and played smart."

Wildcat pitcher Rachel Nelson struck out eight, walked one and scattered nine hits in the loss.

CL 11, Totino Grace 1

Led by three hits and three RBIs by Tracy Schneider, the Wildcats took out their frustrations on Totino Grace the next day, pounding the Eagles 11-1 at Totino Grace. The Wildcats scored early, late and often, with six runs on the first three innings and five runs in the last two.

Wildcat bats pounded out 15 hits on the day. Lisa Schommer had two hits for CL, including a triple. Ashley Oehme had two hits and two RBIs. Mallory Schneider and Amanda Houle also had two hits apiece. And, one of Tracy Schneider's hits was a double. Rachel Nelson pitched well, striking out four, walking one and allowing just two hits.

"We got the key hits when we needed them today," said Jangor. "We just kept pounding away at them. Basically, this was a good comeback after a tough loss."

Assuming the weather cooperates, the Wildcats will play seven games over an eight-day period as they try to move up in the North Suburban Conference standings and get ready for the section playoffs.

Those games included; Monday, April 28 at home vs. Benilde-St. Margaret's; Wednesday, April 30 at Irondale; Friday, May 2 at home vs. Columbia Heights, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday May 3 tournament at Becker High School, 3 games starting at 10 a.m.; and Monday, May 5 at home vs. Fridley, 4:30 p.m.

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