OWATONNA – The Austin Legion 18-and-under softball team went 1-1 with a squad of nine players in the opening rounds of the Owatonna Tournament, but bested Northfield, 9-0, with only eight players to win the tourney Saturday.

Monday, June 25, 2001

OWATONNA – The Austin Legion 18-and-under softball team went 1-1 with a squad of nine players in the opening rounds of the Owatonna Tournament, but bested Northfield, 9-0, with only eight players to win the tourney Saturday.

Amy Bickler allowed only two hits, walked none and struck out three in the complete-game victory over Northfield in the finals. She also was 2-3 with a run-scoring double.

Austin racked up 11 hits as a team of just eight players, led by Abbey Bergstrom’s 3-3, one RBI performance. Melanie Gabrielson was 2-4 with a triple and an RBI, while Amber Wilson was 2-3 while driving in a run. Teresa White also collected an RBI.

Gabrielson scored what proved to be the game-winner on a delayed steal. Bergstrom struck out six in getting Austin into the finals with a 5-4 win over Holmen, Wis. Austin was outhit by Holmen, 4-3, but three errors helped Austin to score its runs. Austin scored three in the fifth inning to come back from a 4-2 deficit.

Wilson and Tiffany Poirier each had RBIs for Austin. Waseca stole the first game of the tournament from Austin, 5-2. Four of Waseca’s five runs were unearned to Bickler, who allowed only four hits and one walk.

Austin had just five hits, four of which came in the seventh inning when they scored both of their runs. Jenna Cummins had an RBI-double in the seventh to highlight the loss.

Call Ross Thede at 434-2234 or e-mail him at sports@austindailyherald.com.