Tigers win on Senior Night

Friday, September 23, 2011

By Jason Peake

Daily Mail Sports Editor

NEVADA--Ashley Shumaker drove in four runs, Christian Novak threw a one-hitter and the Nevada High School softball team knocked off Bolivar 8-0 on Thursday afternoon at Bushwhacker Field.

Nevada Coach Tammy Holcomb said Thursday's victory should give her team an added confidence boost as the postseason nears.

"I think this is an important win for us," Holcomb said. "They're a district opponent, so winning this one was vital for us. They've lost to some of the other teams in the district, so hopefully this win puts us at the top."

Nevada improves to 14-2 on the season with the win.

A junior, Novak struck out 12 and allowed just two walks and one hit against the Liberators.

Also a junior, Shumaker had four RBIs on three hits.

Nevada got on the board right away in the bottom of the first. Nikki O'Bryan and Mackenzie Pritchett were both hit by pitches, and Tiffani Long and Olivia Culbertson were both retired. Shumaker then lined a two-run double to right to make it 2-0.

The Tigers extended the lead in the fourth. O'Bryan singled, and Pritchett reached on a fielder's choice, with O'Bryan out at second. Long was retired, but Culbertson hit a double to right, putting runners on second and third.

Shumaker then delivered a two-run single to center, giving Nevada a 4-0 lead.

On the other hand, the Liberators struggled to get anything going against Novak.

The Tigers righty struck out the side in the second and third innings and then struck out two of three in the fourth.

Nevada extended the lead in the fifth. Culbertson and Shumaker hit back-to-back singles to get things going. Tori Dahmer then slapped an RBI single to center, making it 5-0.

Casey Barker then laid down a bunt. Shumaker scored from third on the throw to first, giving NHS a 6-0 cushion.

Bolivar's only hit of the game came in the sixth when Sammy Jacobson doubled to center.

In the bottom half, the hosts added two more insurance runs. O'Bryan and Pritchett both reached on errors to start the frame. Long then lined an RBI single to right for a 7-0 lead. Culbertson followed with a line drive RBI single to left for an 8-0 advantage.

Novak sent down the Liberators one-two-three in the seventh to finish the game.

An outfielder, Shumaker had three hits and four RBIs. A senior third baseman, Culbertson had three hits. A junior, Dahmer had two singles and senior catcher O'Bryan reached base four times.

It was the final regular season home date for the Tigers. The seniors of the team were recognized after the victory.

"It's a tough and emotional day for them, but we knew it would eventually come," Holcomb said.

The Tigers could host a home game in the postseason.

Nevada travels to Pleasant Hill on Monday, plays at Webb City on Thursday and then competes at the Carthage Tournament that weekend. With that, the regular season ends and the district tournament follows.

"We're looking to end the regular season on a good note next week," Holcomb said.

Nevada 8, Bolivar 0

BOL 000 000 0 -- 0 1 3

NEV 202 022 x -- 8 12 0

WP: Novak. LP: Patton.

Novak: 0R, 1H, 2BB, 12K.

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