Dohms, Memorial softball team earn shutout over North in crosstown rivalry

Eau Claire senior pitcher Mackenna Dohms has been waiting four years for this moment. It finally arrived early Thursday evening.

For the first time in her four-year softball career, Dohms earned a win over crosstown rival Eau Claire North. And she led the way with a marvelous performance in the circle.

The right-hander struck out nine batters and allowed just one hit as the Old Abes downed the visiting Huskies 3-0 in Big Rivers Conference play.

"My spins were just working, and it was fun to have a really good defense behind me," Dohms said. "It was great to finally beat them. It's a relief and there is excitement. It's a great feeling."

Memorial's Abby Strayer provided a huge boost. The sophomore slugged a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Strayer launched a 2-2 pitch right down the left field line that sailed out of the ballpark.

"I had been struggling at the plate recently," she said. "I was just trying to stay calm. My coaches were encouraging and my teammates were supportive.

"I got down in the count early, but I was feeling good. I got a good pitch to hit and I was able to connect."

Players stopped momentarily on the field as Strayer's hit cleared the fence. The umpires then signaled it was a home run.

"It was close. I had a good look at it, and it looked like it went inside the foul pole," Memorial coach Kari Winkler said. "Abby is a strong kid and has a nice, easy swing. She came through for us."

"It was foul, in my opinion," North coach Kelsie Fitch said. "It was still a good hit. But here's the deal, it didn't even matter because we didn't score any runs."

The day belonged to Dohms, who effectively changed speeds to keep the Huskies off balance at the plate.

"This is the best we've seen her pitch probably in four years," Winkler said. "Mackenna had great command and kept them guessing. And behind her, we were making plays."

North pitcher Emma Goldbach also pitched well. She allowed three runs while striking out eight.

"Emma did a great job," Fitch said. "You can't ask a pitcher to do much better."

The Old Abes bounced back Thursday after falling 4-0 on Tuesday at North. Memorial improved to 6-11 overall.

"The difference between Tuesday and today was we made the plays we needed to," Winkler said. "And we went up to bat with more confidence. We played with good energy and the whole team fed off that."

The Huskies are now 10-9 overall.

"The difference was with hitting. They made adjustments and we did not," Fitch said. "We have to find a way to get our bats going."

There were plenty of smiles, hugs and high-fives in the Memorial dugout as the Old Abes finished off the victory.

"This was a big win for us. It was huge," Strayer said. "We really needed it. Hopefully, this win will carry us through and keep our spirits high."