Dant, Grohmann’s big days powers Highland to home conference win over Civic Memorial
Karli Dant and Maggie Grohmann gave the Highland softball team just what was needed against Civic Memorial on Monday, April 24 — thanks to each of them swinging big sticks at the plate.
Dant had three hits and drove in the game-winner with a two-run double in the fifth inning and Grohmann added three hits, three runs scored, and a home run, breaking open a close game as HHS scored five runs in the final three innings to claim a 9-5 Mississippi Valley Conference victory against the Eagles at Highland High School.
It was another satisfying day for HHS, which improved to 10-5-1 overall and 5-0 in the MVC. The outcome also marked the ninth straight win in two weeks for the Bulldogs.
“It was a good win for us,” Highland coach Glen Nicholls said. “That team’s got some quality players over there and for us to put a nine spot on the board — that is good for us. We were 19-1 in conference play the last two years and to come out firing on all cylinders once conference play started, these kids saw it on the schedule and were ready for it.”
Highland drew first blood with a run in the bottom of the first on a run-scoring single by Dant which scored Grohmann for a 1-0 lead. CM tied the score in the top of the second on Danika Chester’s booming homer over the left field fence.
HHS got that run back in the bottom of the inning as Maci Miles reached on an error and scored on Abby Schultz’s infield RBI hit, making it 2-1.
Civic Memorial (9-6, 2-3) drew even in the top of the third thanks to Isabella Thien’s run-scoring double. Highland responded in the bottom of the third, plating two runs on a couple of CM errors for a 4-2 advantage.
CM, however, answered again. This time, Thien ripped a two-run double to right field and Chester reached on an error with runners at first and third to plate another tally as the Eagles surged back in front 5-4.
The Bulldog bats — thanks to Dant and Grohmann — got cracking in the bottom of the fifth. Alex Schiltz led off with a walk, and then Grohmann dinked a single into shallow left field.
Dant then ripped an 0-1 pitch off the right-center field fence for a two-run double, pushing HHS ahead to stay at 6-5.
It was a perfect way for Dant to enjoy the day as she celebrated her 18th birthday.
“It feels really good to do that (on my birthday) — not only to help my team but also to give us the lead with that,” Dant said of her big double. “I have a mindset of hitting that first pitch, driving it and if I don’t see that, taking the next one. I was basically looking for something to put in play (there).”
“What a way for her to celebrate (her birthday),” Nicholls said. “I gave her the game ball after the game. This is her first year starting, and she’s a senior ... she’s put her time in and good things happen to kids who work hard.”
The Bulldogs added three insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth as Schultz and Grohmann both provided RBI hits, stretching the lead to 9-5.
CM coach weighs in
Watching a potential road win slip away late was tough for Eagles coach Lucas Angelo, but he knows his cub will have another shot at Highland on Wednesday, May 10.
“We made our share of mistakes, but, overall, my frustration was our pitcher (Chester) deserved better than what she got offensively. She battled and did a great job, but it just didn’t seem to go our way,” Angelo said. “The good news is we have them one more time.”
Kaitlyn Wilson picked up the win in relief for Highland, firing 2 1/3 scoreless innings with a strikeout and a walk.
HHS happy to have Donoho back
Donoho started the game for HHS, and the Bulldogs are 9-0 in her nine starts — she returned to the team April 9.
Donoho, who is home-schooled, reached a compromise with her family and the Highland School District that worked out for everyone involved.
“Having her back is definitely just one more cog in the machine, basically, so to speak,” Nicholls said.
This story was originally published April 24, 2023 at 11:51 PM.