Hodag Highlights: Softball team stumbles against Medford, Tomahawk

The Rhinelander High School girls softball team had a difficult week on the diamond, dropping both of their outings as they continue to work through the early part of their schedule.
Tuesday, April 28 – Rhinelander vs. Medford (Home)
The Hodags opened the week at home inside the Hodag Dome, but the visiting Medford Raiders wasted little time making themselves comfortable. Medford struck first and hard, plating three runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back.
Aleece Johnson got the start in the circle for Rhinelander, working deep into the contest before giving way to Kendall Vanney in relief. Despite the pitching change, the Raiders continued to pour it on, eventually building an 11-0 advantage through six innings. Rhinelander was held to a single hit on the afternoon — a bright spot in an otherwise quiet offensive performance that came off the bat of Chase Verbist in the bottom of the sixth.
The final score: Medford 11, Rhinelander 0.

Thursday, April 30 – Rhinelander at Tomahawk
Two days later, the Hodags made the short trip south to Tomahawk to face the Hatchets, and found themselves in another early deficit they couldn’t overcome, falling 9-6.
Johnson again took the ball to start, with Vanney closing out the game. The tandem showed improvement in several areas — the two combined to allow just eight hits and surrendered only four earned runs while striking out nine Hatchet batters. However, seven walks proved costly, allowing Tomahawk to manufacture runs and keep Rhinelander at bay despite a more competitive offensive effort from the Hodags.