Woodbury softball: Royals in six-game losing streak

Since starting the year 1-1, the Woodbury softball team has hit a rough patch.

After beating Hastings back on April 11, the Royals have lost six straight games, capped by their most recent defeat, 4-1 to intra-district and Suburban East Conference rival East Ridge on Monday.

In the game, East Ridge (4-4; 4-4 SEC) scored three first-inning runs, tacked on a run in the second inning to go up 4-0 and held on for the win.

East Ridge pitcher Kelsey Ihns kept the Royals (1-7; 1-7 SEC) off balance all evening. The sophomore threw a five-hitter, allowing one earned run while striking out three.

Woodbury’s lone run came in the top of the seventh inning when junior Brooke Pantila drove home Sam Kosel, who hit a two-out double, to make it a 4-1 game.

Woodbury’s Alise Jacobsen went the distance for the Royals, allowing four runs, all earned, on eight hits.

Before falling to East Ridge, Woodbury lost 9-4 to White Bear Lake (5-3; 5-3 SEC) on Thursday, April 19, fell 2-1 to Stillwater (6-3; 6-3 SEC) on Wednesday, April 18, and 3-2 to Roseville (2-7; 2-7 SEC) on Tuesday, April 17.

In the loss to White Bear Lake, Woodbury had 11 hits. Josie Ryan and Jamie Reetz each had three hits in the game. In Wednesday’s loss to Stillwater, Woodbury head coach Bob Samson said the Royals “played our best game of the year.” Woodbury left the bases loaded three times in the loss. Jacobsen was outstanding in the pitcher’s circle, allowing only two hits and a walk – which Stillwater turned into a two-run third inning. Kosel had two hits in the game to lead the Royals’ offense.

“It was a tough loss in a very well-played game with a talented Stillwater team,” Samson said.

Against Roseville, Pantila struck out eight in the loss.

Next, Woodbury is at third-ranked and undefeated Forest Lake on Wednesday, before returning home to play host to Hastings on Thursday and Cretin-Derham Hall on Friday.

Tags: sports, softball, woodbury, royals, prep, updates