Cougars topple Lady Blue Devils in late innings for season-opening win

OCONTO — Late-inning dramatics were the highlight of Tuesday’s softball season-opener between Coleman and Oconto, as the Cougars rode a seventh-inning explosion to a 6-1 non-conference victory over the Lady Blue Devils.

Neither team was able to break through on the scoreboard until the top of the seventh, when a four-RBI knock from Alyssa Kurth and an RBI by Shakira Marks helped Coleman (1-0) jump out to a 6-0 cushion.

Oconto (0-1) plated a run in their half of the inning but were otherwise shut down by Courtney DenRuyter, who tossed a complete game no-hitter, allowing just two walks while racking up 17 strikeouts.

Kurth finished her afternoon with three hits in four plate appearances. Hope Forner chipped in a pair of base knocks, while Annabell Markiewicz went 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored.

Oconto did not report any stats at press time.

Up next

Coleman: The Cougars’ game against Oconto Falls set for Thursday was postponed. Coleman is off until April 2, when the Cougars travel to Niagara for their Marinette and Oconto Conference opener at 4:30 p.m.

Oconto: The Lady Blue Devils kick off Packerland Conference play on April 1 with a doubleheader at home against Kewaunee. First pitch of game one is set for 10 a.m.

Coleman 6, Oconto 1

Coleman 000 000 6 — 6

Oconto 000 000 1 — 1

WP: DenRuyter 7IP, R, 2BB, 17K

Leading hitters (Coleman): Kurth 3x4, 4RBI; Forner 2x2, BB; Markiewicz 1x3, 2R, BB; Marks 0x3, RBI; Norah Kinziger 0x0, 3BB, R; Macy Nowak 1x4, R; DenRuyter 1x4, R