Mitchell splits pair of state tourney games

SIOUX FALLS — After winning its first-ever game at the Class AA state softball tournament Friday afternoon, Mitchell lost to top-ranked Sioux Falls Washington 6-1 later in the day at Sherman Park.

Mitchell, which won the Class A state tournament last year, was moved to the Class AA division this year for its first time and split a pair of state tournament games.

In the first game, Mitchell defeated Sioux Falls O’Gorman 13-1 in five innings. Mitchell jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the first inning.

Andrea Sheppard-Kauwalu hit two two-run home runs and Kaleigh Rolle had a three-run home run.

Hallie Misiaszek got the win and she went all five innings and gave up one run on three hits. She struck out two batters and walked two and was also 1-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs.

During the first game, Krista Huber took a ball off the outside of her wrist on her throwing hand. But after her warm-up pitches, coach Jim Misiaszek made the decision to start her against Washington.

Washington drew four walks in the first inning and jumped out to a 3-0 lead.

“We were concerned about her curveball and spinball, and it was a mental check after that,” Jim Misiaszek said. “She came around after that and got tougher. She threw very well, and after that first inning she settled in and got her composure.”

The Kernels’ offense could not rally, though. Mitchell was held to one hit by Washington pitcher Katie Johnson, who Jim Misiaszek said is the best pitcher the team has seen in the state this year.

“I don’t use the word ‘great’ too often, but she is a great pitcher,” he said.

Abby Sudbeck hit a two-run home run for Mitchell’s lone hit of the game.

Mitchell plays at 9:30 a.m. today at Sherman Park against an opponent yet to be determined. With one more loss, the Kernels are eliminated from the state tournament.

“We are hoping to play five more games (today), but we are going to take it one game at a time,” Jim Misiaszek said. “We are going to stay loose and I think we are going to be all right.”

Tags: sports, updates, kernels, softball