Grafton softball gaining experience

This early in the season, Grafton High School softball coach Mike Bergmann is trading success for live game experience.

The Black Hawks are off to an 0-2 start but at least they’re not practicing in the gym, thanks to the turf field installed in 2020.

“One of the advantages of us putting in turf is we can play,” Bergmann said. “It at least keeps us on schedule.”

The Hawks last Friday lost to Plymouth at home, 12-0, in six innings in a game that was supposed to be played on the road a few days earlier but was delayed and then moved. Even playing in the cold on Friday was in question since it snowed the day before.

“I’m excited that we got the game in. Not the result that we wanted,” Bergmann said.

Senior Dani Thompson went the distance, allowing 14 hits and 12 runs (seven earned) in six innings, walking three and whiffing five.

“We had a practice on Tuesday when it was much windier than this and there was no sun. That really prepared me. That really was a rude awakening,” Thompson said with a laugh about the conditions.

Bergmann praised his ace for not losing her cool when she was giving up hits and runs.

Grafton had two hits, one each from Madi Johnson-Hass and Jordyn Richter. Julia Marti walked twice, and Thompson and Ivana Micic each once.

“We had opportunities. We just didn’t get that clutch hit,” Bergmann said.

On Monday, the Hawks lost at home to Random Lake, 15-4.

It was 9-4 heading into the seventh inning, when the Rams scored six runs.

Johnson-Hass allowed 14 hits and 15 runs (11 earned) in seven innings, walking five and whiffing seven. It was her first complete game on varsity.

“She got fatigued a little bit,” Bergmann said. “It was an accomplishment to get that complete game.”

The bats woke up. Thompson, Alicia Melotik and Reese Konczal each had two hits. Konczal had a double and two RBI, and Thompson and Micic each had one RBI.

The Hawks scored three runs in the fifth inning after the first two batters made outs. A hit, walk and three straight hits brought in the runs.

“It was pretty impressive,” Bergmann said.

On Wednesday, the Hawks were to host Hartford — the game was moved due to field conditions — host Port Washington on Thursday, Cedarburg on Monday and play at Whitefish Bay on Tuesday.

Port starts with a big victory

Port Washington began its season on Tuesday by beating Nicolet on the road in five innings, 12-0.

Senior fireball thrower Ashley Zygowski allowed one hit while striking out 14 and walking one in five innings, and she went 3-for-4 hitting.

Freshman catcher Hope Gilhooly went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Senior shortstop Peyton Mueller-Stenz went 2-for-4. Freshman second baseman Sierra Miller went 1-for-4 with three RBI.

Port plays at Grafton on Thursday, hosts Slinger on Monday and plays at Cedarburg on Tuesday.