Estes’ slam leads Notre Dame over Sikeston

The Notre Dame Bulldogs got their bats going early and often in an 11-0 win over the Sikeston Bulldogs on Monday.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the bottom of the first, capped off by Lauren Estes’ grand slam.

“We came out and started swinging the bats,” Notre Dame coach Ray Reinagel said. “Anytime you can get on top, it’s always good.”

Estes, a freshman, is already making an impact in year one.

“She’s going to be big for us,” Reinagel said. “She’s from (Sikeston) so that one was bittersweet for her.”

In the circle, Taylor Kutz made quick work of the Sikeston lineup, tossing four scoreless innings and striking out three.

“Softball always starts with pitching,” Reinagel said. “Taylor was hitting her spots well and she did a great job.”

The Notre Dame bats stayed hot in the bottom of the third, posting a five run frame behind a two-run double from Colleen Jimerson, a two-run single from Avery Wagoner and another two-run double by Jacie Smith.

Estes finished the afternoon going 2-for-3 with four RBIs and a run scored.

Also contributing was Smith who finished 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs and a run scored.

Monday’s win snapped a three-game losing skid for the Bulldogs.

“It was a good win for us,” Reinagel said. “Now we have Festus, who’s going to be tough and then we have Jackson who of course is Jackson, they’re one of the premiere teams in Southeast Missouri and in the state, so it will be a challenge for us.”

Reinagel hopes to see his team grow together as they navigate the busy week.

“We’re a team that’s never played together,” Reinagel said. “Usually we play together during the summer but this is their first time playing together so we’re still learning.”

Sikeston (2-4) will have to quickly forget about the loss to Notre Dame as the Bulldogs return to play at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, when they travel to take on Neelyville.

Notre Dame (10-7) will host Festus at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Notre Dame Regional High School.

“We just need to keep the momentum going,” Reinagel said. “We also just need to continue working on the things we need to work on.”