High fives for Edina girls in softball win at Minnetonka

Between rainy, windy weather and injuries, the Minnetonka High girls fastpitch softball team has not had good luck this spring.

But even so, the Skippers are 3-3 in Lake Conference games and hopeful of a better second half of the double-round-robin schedule.

There are four senior players in the lineup who have started since their freshman year, but center fielder Izzy Guttenfelder has been out for most of the season with a back injury. The other fourth-year players are catcher Whitley Wischmeier, shortstop Ellie Collins and first baseman Ava Klick. Another key senior, pitcher Ellie Campion, has missed some time recently, due to an injury.

“It has been hard to get into a groove with injuries and the weather,” Minnetonka head coach Mary Beth Wiig said. “We have seven seniors and this group is exceptional to coach. I am hoping we’ll be able to turn it on the second half of the Lake season and in the section tournament. Shakopee has the strongest pitching in Section 2AAAA. This is a really tough section every year.”

In three games last week, Minnetonka was 1-2. The Skippers might have had their most complete game of the year in beating Buffalo 10-0. Klick, Wischmeier and Lily Kennedy each had three hits and winning pitcher Jo Wenzel went two-for-three in addition to posting the shutout. Collins hit a two-run homer and scored three runs. Klick, Lauren Volling and Kyli Kullberg each had two RBIs.

Wenzel’s pitching performance was outstanding as she allowed five hits and no walks with three strikeouts in 5 innings.

Kennedy Hedrick’s home run led Minnetonka in a 5-4 Lake loss to league leader St. Michael-Albertville May 1 at Legacy Field. Brea Callan and Adi Singer each had two hits for the Skippers. Lizzie Harrison pitched well in the loss, allowing only five hits.

Minnetonka stepped outside the conference and lost an 8-5 decision to Armstrong. Klick led the Skippers with three RBIs.

“We have had no problem with run production,” coach Wiig said. “Our team is still a work in progress. Junior third baseman Lauren Volling is doing a good job in the leadoff spot. Whitley Wischmeier, Ellie Collins and Ava Klick are hitting well and driving in runs. Izzy Guttenfelder is coming back from her injury and will be able to bat again. We have four girls who can pitch - Ellie Campion, Grace Pralle, Lizzie Harrison and Jo Wenzel.”