>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Tara Ludwig picked up the win in Game 1 by recording 13 strikeouts in seven innings. - Observer photos/PAUL HARDER

The Class 2A defending state champion Huskies embarked on the journey through Class 3A by sinking the Vikings in an ominous doubleheader 5-4 and 11-1 Friday.

“Anytime you can start out the league schedule 2-0 it’s a good thing,” Elgin/Imbler head coach Dick Griffin said. “We’re going to see a higher level of competition here, so this is a great way to begin.”

Thunder clapped as the first pitch of Game 1 was slung by sophomore Tara Ludwig. 

MILTON-FREEWATER — With a fifty-fifty chance, La Grande came out on top.

The Tigers girls golf team navigated a wet and windy par-60-course to shoot a team score of 390 — good enough for first place.

Baker the only other full team, took second with a 391.

ASHLAND — EOU split its doubleheader affair at Southern Oregon Friday, setting up a three-way tie in the middle of the conference standings.

The Mounties fell behind in the opener, rallied, but lost 11-10 in eight innings. They rebounded in the night cap with a 5-2 win.

Leading the way at the plate was Megan “long ball” Platz, who hit two more home runs in the doubleheader, pushing her season total to 10 dingers, tying Beth Hull for the all-time EOU season mark.

BOBCAT BARRAGE: Cody Billman and his Union teammates scored 31 runs during a doubleheader against Pine Eagle Thursday. - Observer photos/PAUL HARDER

Union did just that against Pine Eagle during a twin bill sweep 24-3, 17-0 Thursday.

The Spartans pitching doled out free gifts to their hosts — eight walks and two hit batsmen in the first two innings.

BAKER — First game back from spring break, no problem.

Elgin crushed the Baker junior varsity baseball team Tuesday, 20-4 in six innings, improving to 4-0 overall.

James Hardy earned the win on the mound, and the Huskies’ bats swatted 15 hits.

DIGGING FOR DIAMONDS: The La Grande softball team will look to improve on its 3-9 Greater Oregon League record from 2007. Boo Christman (above) will lead the team from the pitching circle. - Observer file photo

In Kohr’s first year at the Tigers’ helm, his team won three Greater Oregon League games.

La Grande went 10-16 overall last season and 3-9 in the GOL.

“We’re going to make a playoff run this year,” Kohr said. “Our girls are going to surprise some teams. All it’s going to take is a little more sun and more time on the dirt.”

ROUGH PATCH: La Grande golfer Mitchell Henry takes a shot after going wayward on the par-4 eighth hole at Buffalo Peak Tuesday. - The Observer/PAUL HARDER

Little wind helped the La Grande boys golf team to its best showing of the year, shooting a combined score of 389.

Still, it wasn’t enough to take first. That honor went to Baker with a team score of 370.

“It was a great effort by the whole team,” LHS head coach Ron Evans said. “Coming back from spring break, you never know how the kids are going to do.” 

COOL ICE NICE: Tigers third baseman Zach Nice connects on a pitch Tuesday at Pioneer Park. - The Observer/BRUCE MASON

“Takin’ care of business ... takin’ care of business ...

Takin’ care of business? Well, that didn’t happen Tuesday — for the Tigers, at least.

WINTER GAMES: Cubs base runner Tonya Neil and coach Kathy Schaefer fight the spring snow and wind at first base Friday. - The Observer/PAUL HARDER

The Lady Cats softball team defeated Corbett 6-1 Friday.

Winds whistled around at 30 mph, and gusted to more than 50 mph adding another level of difficulty to hitting.

Who’s taking care of your kids?

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered that question, and many others during the month of March.

Mountain Valley Therapy, in La Grande, will address that question at an informational meeting for parents and kids at 6 p.m. Tuesday.