Massillon, OH -- Despite a strong night at the plate with 14 hits, the West Branch Lady Warriors came up just short in an 11 to 10 loss to the Jackson Polar Bears on Monday at Jackson High School.

Mati Hawk and Klary McKay both had standout performances, each collecting three hits. Hawk went 3 for 4 with a solo home run in the sixth inning, along with singles in the first and third.

West Branch got off to a fast start, scoring four runs in the top of the first. Hawk drove in one with a single, McKay followed with an RBI double, and Zoe Metzger added a two-run single. The Warriors added two more in the second with RBI hits from Libbie Davis and McKay, then pushed across three more in the third behind more timely hits from Hawk and McKay.

Jackson answered in a big way in the bottom of the fourth. The Polar Bears scored seven runs on seven hits to take an 11 to 9 lead. Gabbi Williamson delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a two-run double.

Hawk's home run in the sixth brought West Branch within one, but the Warriors were unable to even the score.

Ellie Tucker started in the circle and went three and one-third innings, allowing ten runs, nine earned, on ten hits with three strikeouts. Abby Seders earned the win for Jackson, throwing six innings and giving up six runs on ten hits with two strikeouts and no walks.

Metzger, Tucker, and Carly Loper also had multi-hit games for West Branch. The defense turned one double play during the game.

Jackson was led by Maddie Moden and Morgan Christopher, who both had three hits. Williamson led the team with three runs batted in. Christopher also stole two bases and the Polar Bears finished with four steals overall.

What's Next: West Branch is back in action Tuesday on the road against the Marlington Varsity Dukes.