Alburnett softball cruises past Edgewood-Colesburg

ALBURNETT - Even though her cage got rattled early on, Amber Porter stayed the course.

After giving up a run in the second inning, the freshman Alburnett pitcher kept her cool over the next four frames to help the Pirates a 10-1 victory over Edgewood-Colesburg in a Class 2A regional softball quarterfinal Wednesday night.

Ed-Co took a 1-0 lead Brylin Clute scored Jenna Kelchew with an infield single in the second.

'We have a lot of confidence in these kids,” Alburnett Coach Kevin Johnson said. 'I knew we would move the ball. We made the decision to go with Porter tonight. ... Sometimes you have to remember she's a freshman, but she's grown up a lot and we have a lot of confidence in her.”

Porter faced more than five batters in just one inning, and with a four-run third inning backing her she allowed six hits and struck out six while walking one through six innings. Cassidy Henle relieved Porter in the seventh to get the save.

'I knew I had to be strong for my team and kept that in mind,” Porter said. 'My curve was working really well. I was comfortable with (getting relieved). I trusted her and was completely fine with her coming in and finishing.”

Alburnett collected 10 hits against pitcher Kennedy Carithers.

Alburnett plays at Iowa City Regina this Friday at 7 p.m. for the right to advance to the regional title game. According to Alburnett catcher Maddie Volesky, if Porter and the rest of the Pirates' pitching staff can stay solid, the sky could be the limit for Alburnett.

'I love how (Porter) comes out full of energy,” Volesky said. 'It makes my job that much easier, especially since she's a freshman going out there and pitching all strikes. She came out clear minded and hit all her spots. It makes the game a lot more fun when she strikes everyone out.”