Masessa Goes 3-3 As Cloquet Tops Grand Rapids

May 6

Wes Vork-NSO

Senior pitcher Denise Rodd tossed a six-hitter and the Cloquet softball team used a quick start to beat Grand Rapids 4-1 at Braun Park on Friday afternoon.

The Lumberjacks ran the Thunderhawks into a couple of miscues in the first inning allowing them to put three runs on the board and take, what would be, an insurmountable lead.

While the Jacks offense got off to a quick start Rodd was busy shutting down the Thunderhawks and not allowing them to take advantage of their scoring opportunities. Grand Rapids had bases loaded, but Rodd was able to get a pop up and strike out to leave all three runners stranded. The Cloquet defense also was stellar making some solid plays especially at third base by junior Shania Paulson.

Leading the Cloquet attack were Kayla Masessa who went 3-for-3 with an RBI and Kelly Carlson who also added an RBI.

Rodd finished with 8 strikeouts and allowed just 6 hits and 1 walk.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com