Game ending triple play for Bison victory

BY STAN MADDUX

The New Buffalo High School girls’ softball team turned a triple play to end the game in what turned out a lead-off triple. After she scored on a ground out, the next three batters reached base on walks and an error by the shortstop. to be a doubleheader sweep at home over Lawrence Monday, May 9.

The Bison leading 9-7 started the final inning by allowing the first two batters for Lawrence to reach base.

The next hitter hit a scorching line drive caught by third baseman Josie Humphrey. Humphrey threw the ball to first baseman Aaron James to double the runner off the bag for the second out. James quickly threw the ball to second baseman Laura Wamser, who tagged out the other runner trying to get back to the second base bag.

The players on the field and many people in the crowd seemed stunned momentarily before celebrating the victory.

Pitcher Amanda Jones started jumping into the air.

Humphrey, a freshman, said she was thrilled and surprised at the game ending triple play.

“I was definitely excited,” said Humphrey.

The rare moment was also sweet for head coach Morgan Motycka, who was pleased with how much her young team has improved after a tough start to the season.

“It went kind of nuts. I went kind of crazy. I’m proud of my girls for that one,” she said.

Jones started what turned out to be a four run first inning with Two of the runners were driven home on a crisp single by Olivia Plis.

The next runner came home on an infield single by Wamser.

Lawrence tied the game with two runs in the top of the third inning but New Buffalo came back with five runs at the bottom of the inning.

The big hit was delivered by James, who drove in two of the runs with a double over the centerfielder’s head with two outs.

Kaitlyn Rainwater and Jones followed with singles to knock in two more runs.

Lawrence finished the scoring with four runs in the next inning then later walked off the field when their comeback attempt ended with the triple play.

The Bison won the second game 13-5.

It was the third victory of the season for the Bison, who also won in late April against Benton Harbor 26-0.

Motycka said the improvement has come despite a lot of games being rained out and practices being moved inside the gymnasium.

“They always put 100% effort in for me and I can’t ask them for anything else,” she said.

Bison girls tennis players showing improvement on the court

After her undefeated streak ended, a New Buffalo High School tennis player resumed her winning ways with an easy No. 2 singles victory at home on Monday.

Camille Czech won 6-0 in both games to win her match against Lilly Werelius from the combined Bridgman/Lake Michigan Catholic team.

Czech, a junior, is 7-1 on the season.

She won her first six singles matches before suffering her first loss against Brandywine.

“She’s a strong player,” said NBHS Assistant Tennis Coach Ashley Jager.

Emma Snyder, a Bison senior, defeated Isabella

BY STAN MADDUX Tyler in No. 1 singles play while Autumn Bukowski for New Buffalo was defeated in No. 3 singles play by Izzy Schrauben.

The Bison lost all four matches in doubles play.

Jager said gusty winds posed some challenges for players on their return shots but they enjoyed the sunshine and warmer temperatures in what’s been a damp, cool spring.

The Bison have not recorded a victory as a team this season but have a good number of wins in singles play.

Jager feels the team has a chance at notching its first win during the upcoming conference tournament at Berrien Springs because of gains in their level of play since losing some close matches against conference opponents.

“I think we have a nice shot at playing some really nice tennis,” she said.

Jager also said a lot of young players making strides in their level of play is like building a foundation for a more competitive team over the next few years.

“We have many beginners this year and a lot of freshmen who have improved so much over the season. We’re definitely on the road to progress,” she said.