LITTLE FALLS -- Callie Nelsen threw a four-hitter with 14 strikeouts as the Willmar Cardinals roughed up Little Falls 8-1 Thursday in Central Lakes Conference softball.
Willmar remained just one game behind Brainerd in the Central Lakes Conference race.
Randiann Sather went 3-for-5 in the leadoff spot for the Cardinals (5-2, 5-2). Andrea Brown had a pair of doubles in four trips, driving in two runs. Allie Sweep, Sarah Hulscher and Nina Emery also had hits.
Willmar scored two runs in the first inning and four more in the second inning to take a 6-0 advantage.
Nelsen, who didn't walk a batter, was also active at the plate going 3-for-4 and driving in a run.
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The Flyers' scored an unearned run in the fourth inning. Laura Zak singled, stole second and scored on a bloop single by Ashley Schneider that was mishandled in the outfield, allowing Zak to cross the plate.
Vanessa Grams gave up 11 hits in taking the loss for the Flyers (2-5, 6-5).
Willmar is at the eight-team Shakopee Invitational on Saturday.
The Cardinals open against Richfield at 10 a.m. The consolation and semifinals are at noon and the finals at 2 p.m.
Willmar 8, Little Falls 1
Willmar (5-2, 5-2) 240 100 0 - 8 11 1
Little Falls (2-5, 6-5) 000 100 0 - 1 4 4
HITTING - Willmar: Randiann Sather 3-for-5, 2 sb; Allie Sweep 1-for-3, 2 runs, sb; Sarah Hulscher 1-for-2, Andrea Brown 2-for-4, 2b, 2 runs, 2 rbi; Callie Nelsen 3-for-4, rbi; Nina Emery 1-for-4 .... Little Falls: Jenni Zak 1-for-3, Sasha Norvell 1-for-3, Ashley Schneider 2-for-3
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PITCHING (ip-h-r-er-bb-so) - Willmar: Callie Nelsen (W) 7-4-1-0-0-14 .... Little Falls: Vanessa Grams (L) 7-11-8-3-4-3
NEXT -- Willmar: Saturday at Shakopee Invite (Blaine, Mankato Loyola, Mound-Westonka, Orono, Richfield, Spring Lake Park), 10 a.m.
