Viking softball splits with Yates Center

ARMA — Northeast softball got its first win of the season here Thursday night before settling for a split with Yates Center in a Three Rivers League doubleheader.

The Vikings won game one, 9-8, with the Wildcats taking game two, 4-1.

“Both games had some errors but also some really awesome plays,” Northeast head coach Scott Post said in a statement made on his team’s Facebook page. “We played a good team and our confidence should be high moving toward next week.”

Allyson Dugan pitched in game one. She allowed 3 earned runs, didn’t walk anyone and struck out 7.

Julia Lopez, who Post said was playing in her first-ever softball game, drove in the game-tying and winning runs. Madison Walker had 4 hits for the Vikings while Rachel Fox, Amber Claffey and Lyndsey Brown had 3 each and Haley Claffey had 2.

Rachel Fox suffered the loss in game two despite a good effort. None of the runs Yates Center scored were earned.

Post also cited good defense by his team. Haley Claffey was named for making an outstanding catch in center field in the first game.

The Vikings, who stand at 1-3 in the league and overall, will play a league doubleheader at Marmaton Valley Monday. First pitch of the first game is set for 4:30 p.m. The Viking junior varsity plays at home Tuesday.