Only Tiger hit in season opener
Defending Missota Conference champion Shakopee showed it will be one of the teams to beat in the race for 2011 league honors with a 4-0 shutout of the Tigers in the season opener for both teams played Thursday afternoon, Apr. 7, in Shakopee.
Sabers ace Ashley Walker struck out 10 and allowed only one hit, a first-inning single by Alyssa Kalmes, to kick off her senior season in style.
"Shakopee is loaded with talent and good pitching," Tiger coach Rob Laden said. "They will be the top team in our conference and one of the top ten in the state."
The Sabers scored four runs in the first two innings, two of them unearned, off Tiger starter Ashley Betzold who gave up nine hits in six innings.
Laden said despite the loss he was pleased with his young team's opening day effort.
"Considering it was the first time the weather has allowed us to be outside and it was a game against a very tough opponent, I thought we played well," he said.
"We have things we can improve upon. I would like to build on this game and surprise Shakopee when we play them later in the season."
