Gerstner, Hughes team to blank Fatima

Zach Rockers is greeted at home plate by his Helias teammates after hitting a three-run home run in the top of the third inning of Monday's game against Fatima at Lions Field in Westphalia.
Zach Rockers is greeted at home plate by his Helias teammates after hitting a three-run home run in the top of the third inning of Monday's game against Fatima at Lions Field in Westphalia.

WESTPHALIA - The Helias Crusaders got what they wanted and more from Monday's season opener. On the other hand, the Fatima Comets know it's a long season and it was just one game.

"If we can play this kind of team baseball, I feel pretty good about our chances of having a good season," Helias coach Chris Wyrick said after the Crusaders blanked the Comets 8-0 at Lions Field.

While the Comets were disappointed with the loss, it was just the first game.

"It's tough to open the season like this, but it doesn't scare us," Fatima coach Scott Kilgore said. "As soon as we find that chemistry, we're going to be extremely competitive, like we always are."