USA Preps Best of the Best Recap

Whitney Ferguson

January 20, 2021

After a two-month break, Voodoo Rhinehart was back on the field traveling to St. George, Utah for the USA Preps Best of the Best Season Finale.

Coach Rhinehart was able to add an additional game to the schedule, so the team played six games over the weekend at Gubler Park.

Saturday was a difficult day for the team, going 0-3 for the day. Voodoo struggled to hit the ball early in each game and found themselves trying to come from behind.

Emma Nagy and Alex Nyberg shared time in the circle in game one against Nation Softball. Lizzie Tieskoetter and Sydney Warren each had a double in the game as well. The bats started to get going in the 4th inning, but unfortunately, time expired before the team had the opportunity to take the lead. Voodoo lost 5-8.

In game 2 against Northern Nevada Strike Zone, Voodoo lost the lead early and ultimately the game 3-5. Lindsay Ferguson gave up one earned run over four innings with seven strikeouts in relief. Olivia Glover and Kat Smith each had a double in the game. One bright spot was when Lindsay Murai caught a popped-up bunt with a runner on 3rd. Lindsay Ferguson covered 3rd on the play and Murai picked off the runner for a double play.

Against the Arizona Suncats in game 3, Voodoo found themselves again down in the first inning. Lindsey Murai came into the game in relief giving up only one run over 2 2/3 innings. Lindsay Ferguson had a double and Olivia Glover had two RBIs.

On Sunday, Voodoo came out strong and swinging! Coach Rhinehart had challenged the team to win all three games and they did just that!

In game 4, Voodoo faced another team from Washington, Rijo Athletics. The team went up 3-0 in the first inning and kept the hits coming in the 3rd inning, ultimately winning 14-1. Lindsay Ferguson started the game and allowed only one hit over three innings, with four strikeouts. Alex Nyberg had the big hit in the game with a grand slam in the 3rd inning.

Voodoo faced Octane from southwest Washington in game 5. The team added runs in each inning, but the runs added up in the 4th inning with seven. Christy Tadvick had a home run, and Lindsay Ferguson went 3-3 in the game.

In the final game of the weekend, Voodoo faced Easton Preps. By the 4th inning, the team had a lead of 8-2, but decided to make it interesting giving up four runs in the 5th before time expired. Lizzie Tieskoetter went 3-3 at the plate to lead the team in hits.