Goodwin Gashes, Moore Mashes a Homer as the Savages Storm Past Iowa Valley

SIGOURNEY—On June 10, the #6 ranked Sigourney Savages hosted the Iowa Valley Tigers for the second round of the Class 1A-Region 8 bracket. The Savages secured the 9-0 victory, and move on to host the Highland Huskies on July 12 for the regional semifinals. 

The Savages started the runs early with two RBI ground-outs from Dani Aller and Ella Bruns. 

After the game, Sigourney Head Coach Shelly Streigle spoke on her athletes stepping up in their first playoff experience with, “Just exactly what I expected out of them. I knew they would, I knew they could. I knew given the opportunity, they would continue to do it.”

They blew things open in the bottom of the fourth, and it was all started by junior Josephine Moore. Moore blasted her 10th home run of the season. The Savages proceeded to load the bases for junior Ava Fisch in the same inning. Fisch ripped a single into center field and brought home two runners. 

Moore and Fisch were red hot from the plate all night, as the two combined for five RBIs. Fisch opened the night with a triple that led to the opening run of the game. Moore went 3-4 from the plate with two doubles and a home run. 

From the first inning, Moore brought the energy for the Savages. After her first double of the game, Moore let out an emphatic scream that energized the dugout. Moore is known more for being even-keeled. Moore spoke of the moment with, “We really came here to play. We just need to hit the ball and do what we can. That is what brings the energy. That is what helps get more hits.”

“I have been in a slump at home, but now I have gotten into a groove and everything is coming together,” described Moore on her night at the plate, in which she secured three hits in four at-bats.

Senior Carly Goodwin was once again dominant from the pitching circle. She started the game by striking out the first nine Iowa Valley batters that stepped into the box. She pushed her perfect game bid to the final out, before the Tigers tallied back to back hits. Nevertheless, the Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year finished her night with 20 punch-outs.

Goodwin has a certain sense of the moment, and steps up big for the Savages when the lights shine the brightest. When asked about this, Goodwin answered with, “I knew that my team relies on me, so I had to prove to them I have their back. 20 strikeouts is a new high to me. Once I knew I could achieve it, I just had to keep my adrenaline working.”

The one non-strikeout out for the Savages was a spectacular catch by junior second baseman Ava Fisch. Goodwin spoke on the effect that has on her on the mound as, “Especially in games like this where the ball isn’t put into play much, it is awesome to have the defense stay alive. Her making that play meant a lot.”

Lastly, Goodwin spoke of the spark junior Josephine Moore gave to the team with her offensive performance as, “Big moments like that just bring the team up. Ever since Josephine hit that first home run, I don’t think we let up as a team and that is really important.”

The Savages will have the privilege of playing at home throughout their postseason run, and they don’t take that privilege lightly. Coach Steigle spoke on what it means to play in front of the home crowd with, “It is great to play in front of the home crowd. I got goosebumps looking at all the people in the outfield, and all the people around the field. There is hardly a better atmosphere than coming here and playing at night. It is incredible.”