Another no-no for Engelkens

MILLEDGEVILLE – There were no gloves thrown into the air and no wild dancing in the infield Tuesday after Milledgeville-Polo’s 10-0, run-rule victory over Ashton-Franklin Center.

Keali Engelkens had a been-there, done-that attitude after throwing her fifth no-hitter of the season. She just got a few pats on the back and took her spot in the handshake line.

“I don’t even know that I throw a no-hitter,” Engelkens said.

“I just go out there and try to do the best that I can. My defense is always there to back me up. I didn’t have very many strikeouts tonight. They do most of the work when I get the no-hitters.”

Engelkens (12-1) stuck out seven and walked one. The only hint of trouble came in the fourth inning, when she walked leadoff batter Grace Kennay. Kennay moved up on a sacrifice bunt and a groundout, but Engelkens ended the threat by striking out Audra Lundquist.

“From a coach’s standpoint, it’s a blessing to be able to have her go out there and know that she’s going to compete with whoever we play,” Milledgeville coach Rick Lincoln said.

The Missiles (12-1, 4-0 NUIC East) scored at least one run in every inning. Leading the attack were Engelkens, who had three singles, two RBIs and one run scored; Alex Daw Tyne, who singled, walked twice and scored three runs; and Andrea Herin, who singled twice, drove in two runs and scored once.

Herin’s two-run single in the bottom of the fourth drove in the ninth and 10th runs for the Missiles, and Engelkens struck out the side in the top of the fifth to end the game.

Lindsey O’Dell (1-3) took the loss for AFC (5-6, 1-4). She allowed 10 runs, eight hits, six walks and hit three batters while striking out three.

M’ville-Polo 10, AFC 0

Star of the game: Keali Engelkens, MP, no-hitter, 7 Ks

Key performers: Alex Daw Tyne, MP, 1-for-1, 2 walks, 3 R, 1 RBI; Andrea Herin, MP, 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 R

Up next: Indian Creek at AFC, 4 p.m. Thursday; Milledgeville-Polo at Dakota, 4:30 p.m. Thursday