Heather Patterson heads for home during the Owls' victory over Ithaca.
Heather Spenceley beats a pick-off attempt back to first base.
Linda Eyer
Laurie David fields a base hit in the outfield at the Tawas Invitational.

TAWAS AREA - May 20, 2006 - The Oscoda softball team continued its improved late season play on Saturday as the Owls won two of three games at the Tawas Invitational.

The Owls lost their opener to Tawas 2-0, but it was a vastly improved performance over their first meeting with the Braves earlier in the year, when Tawas took a pair of 10-run mercy wins over the Owls.

"Although we lost, we were very happy with our play against Tawas," said Oscoda coach Jamie Samotis. "This team beat us badly earlier in the season and we showed them a whole new level that we can pay. The girls' competitive play against an experienced team like this gives us a lot to look forward to."

The Owls were held to three hits by Tawas pitcher Nikki Stein, singles by Heather Walker, Dana Shugart and Heather Spenceley. Riley Shelton pitched well in a losing effort.

It was a promising start on a day in which the Owls wouldn't lose again. Oscoda topped Ithaca 9-2 as Shelton struck out four and didn't walk a batter. Heather Walker had two hits and three RBIs and Heather Patterson had two hits and drove in two runs.

"This game was outstanding to watch," Samotis said. "The girls played as a team, talking to each other, listening to each other and playing with their heads up and in the game."

Laurie David and Heather Spenceley each had two his with Dana Kitchen adding one.

The Owls closed out the tourney with a victory over Standish-Sterling in the consolation round. SSC was another team that the Owls had been mercied by twice earlier in the year, but on Saturday Oscoda turned the tables for a 4-2 victory. Shelton earned her second victory if the day, walking five and striking out three in seven innings of work.

"All the girls played together and focused all day long," Samotis said. "They were a great team. The pitcher-catcher combination of Riley Shelton and Justine Niemann was the strongest it has been all year. Riley moved the ball around the plate, and batters had a tough time getting any strong hits.

"Our defense was strong behind her. It was overall an outstanding team win."

Niemann had two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs to lead the Owls' offense. Kitchen and Walker added hits as the Owls improved to 15-21-1.