Area softball: K-W loses game, gains trust in its 7th-grade hurler

WANAMINGO — Knights coach Matt Nelson had a number of good things to say about seventh-grader Kailee Berquam, who made her first varsity start Friday against Blooming Prairie.

However, her inexperience cost Kenyon-Wanamingo in the seventh inning. Two Awesome Blossoms reached on bunt singles because Berquam was not familiar with the Knights' bunt coverage.

Both runners came into score in the three-run inning and Blooming Prairie won 6-3. Berquam allowed 13 hits, struck out six and walked three in a losing effort.

"We found some more pitching tonight, which was really important," Nelson said.

K-W senior Liz Gresth was 1-for-4 with a run and two RBI. Classmate Marissa Lurken finished 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Nelson said the Knights (3-11 overall) will use another seventh-grade pitcher, Siri Sviggum, at today's Hayfield invitational. They play Fairmont in the first of three games.

The Awesome Blossoms (13-3) and K-W are in the same Section 1A Tournament subsection. Nelson said he expects them to receive the top seed.

"We're playing better defense — we had one error last night and zero tonight — and if we keep pitching well I think we can play with anybody in our subsection," Nelson said.

Tags: sports, softball, kenyon, wanamingo