Aubrey Hanger delivered a strong performance at the plate as Kankakee Valley dropped a 7-4 decision to Munster in a conference softball matchup.
The game took place April 14 at Kankakee Valley High School, where Munster built an early lead and held off a mid-game push from the Kougars.
Kankakee Valley fell behind 3-0 in the first inning before responding with three runs in the third to get back into the game. The Kougars added another run in the fifth inning, but were unable to close the gap late. Hanger led the offense with a 2-for-2 performance, reaching base consistently and helping spark scoring opportunities. Hailey Shepherd added a hit and drove in two runs, while M. Hemphill and Julia Mahmet each contributed a hit and scored a run. The Kougars finished with five hits and showed patience at the plate with seven walks.
In the circle, J. Beauchamp started and worked four innings, while Mallorie Rose provided a strong relief outing with three innings, allowing just one run and striking out six. Rose helped stabilize the game and gave Kankakee Valley a chance to rally down the stretch.
Defensively, the Kougars were solid, committing no errors and making clean plays throughout the game, but Munster’s early offense proved to be the difference.
