One big addition to the Pella Christian lineup this season is power, and added pop was the difference in the softball team’s playoff opener last night.
Brooke Mitrisin blasted a grand slam in the 6th inning that gave her team a lead they wouldn’t lose in an 11-4 victory over Madrid, as heard live on KRLS.
The first round jitters for the Eagles were in play as the Tigers kept the pressure on PC for most of the contest, leading in the middle of the sixth 4-3 after they knocked Emma Schnell out of the circle after four.
But Senior Courtney Johannes shut down Madrid in the last three innings, and the Eagles took advantage of three Tiger errors in the sixth to eventually give their big boppers a chance at the win.
Johannes, who struck out four Tigers in the victory, told KNIA/KRLS Sports the hitters late charge in the bottom of that frame was the key difference in keeping their season alive.
Lizzie Van Manen also swatted a three-run opposite field homer in a 2-for-3 effort, and Shortstop Sophie Howerzyl was 1-for-3 with two RBI.
Pella Christian is 20-7 and will host South Hamilton, who beat Woodward-Granger 5-4 in extra innings, on Friday in round two of the Class 2A Region 5 bracket. The game can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS.