SOFTBALL Blue Dukes end Red Raiders' season

Wauwatosa East jumped off to a 4-2 lead through two innings, but couldn't hold off Whitefish Bay and lost in a regional semifinal game, 6-5, on May 29 at Whitefish Bay.

"We came out strong, scoring three runs off two hits in the first inning," Tosa East coach Megan Arndorfer said. "We then scored an additional run in the second inning but didn't score until the seventh. We had plenty of opportunities to do a lot more but didn't come through."

Arndorfer was happy with her defense, but was disappointed in the pitchers, who didn't practice during the holiday weekend.

"Defensively, we did not have any errors," she said. "However, our pitching struggled all day. Our pitchers were not at the practices during our mini-Memorial Day break and it definitely showed.

"It is vital to have our whole team at every practice, but especially before regionals."

Arndorfer was not pleased with her team's baserunning, either.

"We still had a couple of running errors that hurt us," she said. "Hopefully, this was a learning experience for some girls. Obviously, I am disappointed. I love these girls and I just wanted more success for them. However, they fought hard all year and I am proud of them for that."

Sophomore catcher Aubrey Nigh had a great game, going 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. She was also stellar behind the plate keeping balls in front of her and throwing one runner out.

While Becca Hoffland struggled at the plate, she was tough on the defensive end with five assists or putouts.

"I have relied on Becca's leadership all season long," Arndorfer said. "Even though I am sure she would have liked to have had done more offensively, she still showed our girls on how to fight through mistakes on one part of the game and do the job on the other end."

Playing in her final game, senior Megan Gates finished her career with a good night going 2-for-4 and making a couple of good defensive plays.

"Megan has been strong all year at second base for us," Arndorfer said. "I was happy to see her come up big. I just wish we had a different result for her."

Junior Sarah Jolitz also had a good day, going 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs.

Tosa East finished with a 4-18 overall record and ended the year on a five-game losing streak and losing eight of nine.