All those close games the Montezuma Bravettes have played recently – they paid off in the first round of regional tournament play.
The Bravettes were 3-1 winners over Iowa Valley at home on Tuesday evening, July 6.
Strong defense – the Bravettes didn’t make an error – and timely hitting keyed Montezuma’s victory.
Montezuma now will play at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, in New Sharon.
The Bravettes will face North Mahaska (17-10), a 4-1 winner over a 2-15 Keota ballclub.
Sophomore first baseman Abby Pope led the Bravettes on offense, going two-for-three with two runs batted in.
The Bravettes scored a run in the second inning to go up 1-0, then added single runs in the fifth and sixth. Iowa Valley’s lone run came in the top of the sixth.
Pitcher Kallie Robison kept the Tigers at bay by scattering 10 hits. She allowed the one run, which was earned. Robison walked two and struck out three.
Katie Reynolds had one hit and was two-for-two on stolen bases.
Madison Van Zee had a hit, a run batted in, a sacrifice and a stolen base.
Laila Kercheval had a hit and scored two runs.
You’re right – a lot of girls were involved. Kailey Shaffer had a hit, and Ellen Cook had one of Montezuma’s four stolen bases.
The win lifted the Bravettes to 9-20 for the season. Iowa Valley closed out at 4-20.
UP NEXT – As mentioned above, the Bravettes face North Mahaska at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7.