By Jeff Meder

Journal Sports Writer

NICOLLET — Sarah Mohr scored the game-winning run in the top of the third inning as New Ulm Cathedral nipped Nicollet 2-1 on Monday in a nonconference softball matchup.

Entering the contest, the No. 7-ranked Greyhounds had 14 wins, while the Raiders had 12.

In that key third inning, Mohr cracked a lead-off double to right field. She scored later on a costly Nicollet error for the eventual game-winning run.

In the bottom of the first inning, Nicollet’s Marah Hulke cracked a triple to center field before Brooklyn Bode’s single scored her for a 1-0 Nicollet lead.

Megan Haala hit a double to center in the top of the second inning. She went to third base on a passed ball and scored on an out by Sydnee Helget to tie it at 1-1.

Starting pitchers Marah Hulke (Nicollet) and Kiah Helget (Cathedral) kept their respective team in the game from beginning to end.

Hulke ended with six strikeouts, while Helget had seven. Both pitchers allowed two walks apiece.

Hulke managed to earn a pitcher’s count on Cathedral batters often. Helget had some control issues on and off during the contest, but she was able to overcome it and make key pitches when needed.

One example of this occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning. Sam Kettner nailed a line shot past Helget’s head into center field. She moved to second and third on wild pitches. Helget got Kassidi Gomez to pop out to left field. With Hulke up to bat and a 3-2 count, Helget’s next pitch was a called third strike to end both the threat and the game.

Cathedral (15-1, 12-1) will next play at Sleepy Eye (4-10, 3-8) on Thursday. Nicollet (12-5, 5-1) will host St. Clair/Loyola on Thursday.