With 5-0 record, Castlewood claims Avon Invitational softball tournament title

Apr. 12—AVON, S.D. — Castlewood won five times on Saturday to claim the Avon Invitational high school softball title, capped with an 8-3 win over Scotland/Menno in the championship round.

The Warriors improved to 6-1 on the season, powered by a five-run second inning to claim the seven-team tournament title.

Scotland/Menno's Kylie Guthmiller was 3-for-3 at the plate and added a solo home run for her second home run in as many tournament games. But Cydni Kudrna had a two-run home run in the second inning as part of a five-run frame for the Warriors. Claire Horn earned the pitching win for Castlewood, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out 10 batters in five innings.

Guthmiller took the loss for Scotland/Menno, allowing eight runs on nine hits and striking out six in five innings of work. Bailey Neuharth had two stolen bases for the Trappers.

Scotland/Menno (5-3) is back in action hosting Avon on Monday in Scotland. The Trappers reached the championship with a 5-0 win over Hanson in the semifinals, powered by a home run and four RBIs from Guthmiller, who also picked up the pitching victory.

Castlewood defeated Avon in the semifinal round 14-0. The Warriors also had a 13-2 win over Wagner, a 16-5 win over Hanson and a 10-1 win over Ethan/Parkston in the earlier rounds of the tournament.

Avon (5-2) finished 3-1 in its home tournament, with two wins over Winner (21-1 and 17-1) and a 15-0 win over Wagner.