Cloquet Girls Out-Slug Ashland 16-8

May 2, 2012

Kerry Rodd-NSO

There might as well have been calliope music blaring at the Ashland softball field on Tuesday afternoon. The Cloquet Lumberjacks and the Oredockers of Ashland hooked up in a game that resembled a carnival atmosphere, at least in the early innings, more than a high school softball game. After two innings the Lumberjacks led it 8-7, but the game eventually calmed down and the Jacks pulled away to an easy 16-8 road win.

Cloquet shortstop, Dalyce Gustafson, started the excitement with a leadoff double in the first inning. A couple of batters later Lizz Jezierski bashed a home run and the Jacks were off to the races.

By game’s end, Gustafson had a couple of doubles, a homer, and a 4-for-5 effort at the plate and Jezierski pitched in with three hits including a homerun. Not to be out done, senior third baseman Shania Paulson, also added three hits with a double.

In all the Lumberjacks rocked Ashland pitching for 17-hits on their way to the win.

The Jacks will be back in action on Thursday when they host the unbeaten Hermantown Hawks.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com