Sam Johnson and Sam Stenson combined to strike out 14 batters in 10 innings, while the Holmen Merchants 16-and-under softball team scored 19 runs in a doubleheader sweep of Aquinas July 2.
Johnson struck out eight in a complete-game, 8-3 win in the opener. Morgan Lasack drove in two runs, with Brittany Gooden adding an RBI single.
Stephanie Helmers also drove in a run for Holmen, while Jenna Hanson lined a double. Jill Utz, Stenson and Helmers all stole bases.
“Our balanced and consistent offense is definitely our strength,” Merchants head coach Bergen Schaller said. “I like having a leadoff hitter who's good at getting on base and a No. 2 hitter who can bunt. We have a lot of lineup flexibility at the top of our order.”
Stenson struck out six in a complete-game, 11-5 win in the nightcap. Johnson tripled and scored, and reached base twice, while Casey Puent lined an RBI double. Utz had a hit and reached base in all three of her plate appearances.
“We drew a lot of walks, but we also had our fair share of timely hits,” Schaller said.
Holmen plays a doubleheader at Coon Valley Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Holmen hosted a doubleheader with Logan Wednesday evening (after the Courier deadline).

