Metro Sports Report

Lizarraga shines as Cougars dump J-Hawks

Sammy Lizarraga could have a big decision to make when it comes time for him to play college baseball in two years.

He's been an outstanding catcher since he was a little kid, but now he's developed into one of the top pitchers in the state as well.

Lizarraga tossed a two-hitter Monday and collected five RBIs as No. 3 Kennedy thumped Jefferson, 11-1, in five innings at Bill Herkelman Field.

A scout from Northern Illinois University clocked Lizarraga's fastball at 87 mph early in the game, a significant jump from his best heater last year as a sophomore. He struck out three straight batters in the fifth inning to end the game.

Lizarraga, a lanky 6-foot-4 right-hander, isn't sure what he'll do in college.

Saints claim MVC division title

The Xavier Saints cinched back-to-back Mississippi Valley Conference division softball championships under second-year coach Nikki Price Monday night, but it didn’t come easy against the upstart Washington Warriors.

“They definitely put us in some pressure situations,” said Price. “They’re going to be a headache for other teams in the years to come.”

For this night, however, experience trumped youth as the Saints swept the doubleheader at home, 5-3 and 9-4.

And on Senior Night it was fitting that the three Xavier players being honored had a hand in every one of their team’s rallies.

“We count on them,” Price pointed out. “They were a big part of our first-ever championship last year. And, obviously, they’re a big part this year again.”

Ryan, Sommer key as Lions sweep

CEDAR FALLS - Maddy Ryan got her 20th win of the year and went 5 for 8 in the doubleheader as Linn-Mar swept Cedar Falls, 5-0 and 14-6, Tuesday night.

Ryan blanked the Tigers in the opener and went 2 for 4 with a triple. Katie Sommer and Ally Johnson were 2 for 3. Elison Ollinger added a two-run double.

Ryan and Sommer kept the hot bats going in the nightcap. Ryan was 3 for 4 with a double and a three-run home run. Sommer went 4 for 4.

Ollinger was 3 for 5 with a double and three runs batted in. Katie Andersen got the win in Game 2.

Gabi Carter wins Metro Spotlight Award

Cedar Rapids Prairie junior Gabi Carter is the winner of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school girls this week, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

Carter is hitting .461 for the Hawks with eight home runs and 46 RBIs. She ranks fourth in Class 5A in RBIs and is tied for sixth in homers.

Carter leads Prairie in hits, doubles, homers, RBIs and batting average. Remarkably, she has struck out only once in 128 plate appearances.

Prairie is ranked 10th in the state and has a 24-10 record heading into the final week of the regular season and the playoffs.

Carter has a .508 on-base percentage and a .791 slugging percentage.