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Knights sweep twinbill from ‘host’ BR-H

NORWAY — It might have been a tad confusing to some, as the Norway girls varsity softball team was the “visitor” on its own field against Bark River-Harris on Monday.

With the Broncos’ field under water, Monday’s doubleheader was moved to Norway but with the Broncos still playing as the “home” team. Though, they might have waited to delay the games altogether, as the Knights (11-4) swept both games in impressive style, 10-0 and 20-0.

In the opening game, Norway starting pitcher Kali Stanchina proved to be more than the Broncos could handle. Stanchina was nearly perfect in tossing a no-hitter, giving up just a walk in 5 innings of work. She fanned 7 in the win while pitching her second consecutive no-no on her home diamond.

Stanchina got plenty of offensive support, though not right away. The game was 0-0 going into the third inning, when Norway finally broke through for 3 runs. The Knights tacked on 5 more in the fourth and another 2 runs in the fifth inning.

Stanchina helped her own cause, going 2-3 at the plate with a RBI and a pair of runs scored.

Averie Popp (1-3, 3 RBIs) had the big hit for Norway, a three-run homer in the fourth that gave the Knights an 8-0 lead.

Donna VanHolla (1-3), Gabby Leiker (1-3, R) and Elizabeth Rometti (1-3, 2 RBIs, R) also had hits for the Knights, who tallied 3 unearned runs thanks to 3 Bronco errors.

Noway batters were even more impressive in the second game Monday, with the Knights pounding out 17 hits to clinch a 20-0 victory in just 3 innings.

Stanchina (3-3, BB, RBI, 3 Rs), Hannah Burklund (3-4, 4 RBIs, 3 Rs) and VanHolla (3-4, RBI, 2 Rs) led the way with 3 hits each.

As if that wasn’t enough, Popp (2-2, 4 RBIs, 2 Rs), Leiker (2-3, 2 RBIs, 2 Rs, BB), Rometti (2-3, 5 RBIs, 2 Rs) and Olivia Kraemer (2-3, 3 Rs) combined for another 8 hits, with Rometti smacking the Knights’ second homer of the day.

On the mound, Burklund made sure the offense didn’t go to waste, tossing 3 scoreless innings for the win. The Knights’ pitcher allowed just 2 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 4 Broncos.

Burklund also benefitted from some quality defense by her fellow Knights, as center fielder VanHolla, shortstop Stanchina and catcher Popp teamed up for a play at the plate to keep the Broncos scoreless after a Bark River-Harris batter hit a triple.

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