LJWorld.com / Haskell softball swept by Ottawa

Archive for Friday, March 14, 2008

Haskell shortstop Myrian Harris (8), misses the tag on Ottawa’s Kerry Higbie (2) as she tries to steal second base. Haskell lost to Ottawa in a doubleheader, 11-3 and 15-1, on Thursday at Haskell.

By Jason Elmquist

March 14, 2008

The Haskell Indian Nations University softball squad was trying to swing for the fences in Thursday’s doubleheader against Ottawa University, but came up short.

Ottawa, on the other hand, came up short only in the amount of innings played.

The Braves swept the Indians, 11-3, 15-1, at Haskell behind big bats — and HINU errors.

“We should have put up a lot of runs ourselves, and that concerns me because that’s not one person having a bad day, that’s the whole team having a bad day at the plate,” Haskell coach Gary Tanner said. “They get into that survival mode and when there’s a slow pitcher they get into that ‘I want to hit the big one’ mode, and it’s a matter of mental discipline.”

The softball field seemed to have been shortened for Josie Hildebrand. The transfer from Western Oklahoma State College had two home runs in the first game and had a chance for another in Game 2 — but it ended up foul by a few feet.

“That was the second time I’ve done it twice in one game, but other than that I don’t hit home runs all the time,” Hildebrand said. “I’m not like Babe Ruth, just pointing out where I want to hit.”

Hildebrand also had a triple in the second game and finished the doubleheader with seven runs batted in.

“We have some very good hitters, and Hildebrand was pretty locked in today,” Ottawa coach Jay Kahnt said. “She’s a heck of a hitter. I think she’s hitting almost .600 right now.”