Midgettes split doubleheader at Northwestern

MAPLE, Wis. — The Hurley Midgettes faced some tough competition on Saturday, prepping themselves for the WIAA Division 4 tournament, starting next week.

The Midgettes split a doubleheader at Northwestern, losing the first game 11-1, and battled back to win the second game 6-5.

“They are a bigger school, so we were happy to get a couple of games against a good-quality team before tournament time,” Hurley coach Jim Kivisto said. “We played with a lot of energy throughout the day, and coming back after losing 11-1 to win the second game should bode well for us heading into the tournament.”

Maria Swartz pitched for Hurley in game one. She struck out three and walked six in the game, pitching six innings.

Paige Aho hit a double in the first inning, and Swartz batted her in with an RBI single for Hurley’s only run.

In game two, Hurley was lead by freshman pitcher Briana Saari. She pitched the complete game, striking out two and walking five.

“She did a great job,” Kivisto said.

Aho knocked in two runs on singles in the game, and Brooke Piilola had an RBI double in the fifth inning.

Maria Sejbl hit an RBI single in the sixth inning and Mackenzie McCorkle sealed the win with a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the seventh.

“This was really good for us,” Kivisto said.

Hurley starts tournament play on Wednesday at home against the winner of Mellen-Solon Springs. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.

Hurley 100 000 0 — 1 4 2

Northwest 212 000 6 — 11 11 0

Hurley 100 103 1 — 6 9 1

Northwest 200 001 2 — 5 6 1