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Posted May 10, 2008

Prep softball: Assumption wraps up share of South
By Michael Kommer
For the Daily Tribune
Jada Straub not only can throw the ball, but she can run the bases.

Assumption's junior pitcher struck out eight, tallied two hits and a walk, and scored three runs as the Wisconsin Rapids Assumption softball team clinched at least a share of the Marawood Conference South Division title by beating Stratford 5-3 Friday at Robinson Park.

Stratford didn't waste any time trying to jump out to a quick lead on the Royals. With two outs, and a runner on third, the Royals' catcher let a ball get past her, but made a quick throw to Straub who was covering home plate to cut down the runner and end the threat.

The Royals then went to work. With two out and two on, Brittney Brock hit a stand-up double to deep center field and scored Stephanie Garza and Straub to give the Royals a 2-0 lead after one.

Stratford broke the shutout in the third when pitcher Cassie Krum crossed home plate on a throwing error, cutting the Royals' lead to 2-1.

Krum finished with nine strikeouts, but walked five in her complete-game performance.

Assumption, though, was not outdone in the third. With runners on second and third, the Stratford shortstop could not handle a fly ball and committed a throwing error, allowing Garza and Straub to score and increasing the Royals lead to 4-1.

Assumption scored one more time in the fifth when Straub crossed the plate on a fielder's choice to go up 5-1.

"I knew that anything that was between knee and waist height would be something I would want to swing at," Straub said. "I really just wanted to throw strikes, and have my defense help when they made contact."

Stratford scored two runs with only one out, but Straub struck out the last batter to earn the victory.

Assumption coach Jim Getzloff was very pleased with his team's performance."

"We approached the game very well," Getzloff said. "We approached it like it was just another game and made good contact."

Royals 5, Tigers 3

Stratford 001 000 2 -- 3 6 3

Assumption 202 010 X -- 5 4 2

WP--Jada Straub. LP--Cassie Krum. SO--Krum 9; Straub 8. BB--Krum 5, Straub 2. 2B--S, Ashley Leick; A, Brittney Brock.

Records: Stratford 8-2, 5-2 Marawood South; Assumption: 14-0, 12-0 Marawood South.

DOUG ALFT/DAILY TRIBUNE Assumption's Jada Straub pitches against Stratford Friday in Wisconsin Rapids.