Roland-Story hands Ram SB team first conference loss

By SUE RIEDER
sports@beeherald.com
Twenty-four hours after the Ram softball team locked up the Heart of Iowa Conference title with a 9-1 win over Saydel, Roland-Story came to town and handed the team their first league loss of the season 5-3. The Norsemen who entered the game with a 6-11 conference record had a night when everything they tried worked. The visitors hit two singles, two doubles, and a home run. Their freshman pitcher, Sydney Mathis, held the usually powerful Rams to singles by Carleigh Paup and Emily Christensen and a  Marissa Promes 3-run homer. Mathis only recorded three strikeouts, but threw pitches that resulted in fly balls to the infield or outfield.
As the game progressed, Roland-Story’s confidence increased, and they started making great defensive plays to keep Greene County from gaining any momentum. Marissa Promes was the losing pitcher for only the third time this season. She gave up three hits and three earned runs, while striking out eight and walking three batters. “I think we lost some of our focus,” said Coach Time Kennedy. “We weren’t as sharp as we usually are, and they just outplayed us. It is a tribute to their pitcher to only give up three runs because we are usually a good hitting team. I was glad to see Marissa hit the home run.”
The loss also ends the Rams streak of 23 consecutive home victories