Local Sports Digest: Shepherd, Woodland softball off to strong starts

Woodland softball stacking wins

The Woodland Junior High softball team scored four victories to open the season, including a 13-1 win over Dwight. Emma Palaschak, Kaylee Henert and Lily Gwaltney led the offense, and Jaylen Moritz struck out 12.

The next day, Woodland swept Lexington by scores of 3-2 and 11-15. In the opener, Moritz struck out 15 and allowed two hits. Palaschak had two hits, and Moritz drove in Gwaltney with the winning run. In the second game, Gwaltney and Palaschak combined to strike out five. Palaschak tripled and homered, and Moritz hit two triples.

Woodland then defeated Putnam County, 13-3, with Lilly Libby (single, triple, four RBIs), Grace Longmire (four RBIs) and Moritz (10 strikeouts) leading the attack.

Shepherd softball starts 2-0

The Shepherd softball team started the season 2-0.

Shepherd defeated Fieldcrest, 16-1, led by Addie Russell (six strikeouts, one hit allowed), Piper Lewis (double, triple, three RBIs) and Addison Stapleton (two hits, RBI).

The Rams then topped Pontiac, 17-2, with the attack spearheaded by Russell (11 strikeouts pitching; two hits offensively), Reese Purcell (four hits, three RBIs), Lewis (single, double, triple, three RBIs) and Lily Brewer (two hits).