The West Branch Lady Warriors put together a strong team performance to take down the Minerva Varsity Lions 10-6 on Wednesday at Minerva Middle School.
West Branch wasted no time getting on the board, jumping out to a quick lead in the top of the first inning. Sara Schmidt kicked things off with a two-run single, Addi Craven followed with another RBI single, and a Minerva error allowed a fourth run to score. Just like that, the Lady Warriors led 4-0.
Minerva wasn't going down without a fight. In the bottom of the third, they rallied to take the lead. Delaney Sell grounded out to bring in a run, and Gabby Kashdan followed with a clutch two-run single, putting the Lions up 5-4.
But West Branch responded with poise in the top of the fifth. Schmidt stepped up again, this time delivering a two-run triple to swing the momentum back in the Warriors' favor. Klary McKay added an RBI single to extend the lead to 7-5.
The Lady Warriors added some insurance runs late, while keeping the Lions from closing the gap.
Ellie Tucker picked up the win on the mound for West Branch. Over four innings of work, she allowed six hits and five runs — all unearned — while striking out one and walking one. Klary McKay came in to close out the game and earned the save. Minerva's Sierra Cress went the distance but took the loss, surrendering 10 runs (nine earned) on 14 hits with one strikeout and one walk.
At the plate, the Lady Warriors were relentless, tallying 14 hits. Schmidt had a standout game, driving in three runs and going 2-for-4 in the heart of the order. Tucker was a spark from the leadoff spot, collecting three hits in four at-bats. Craven, Mati Hawk, Josie Milliken, and Carly Loper also had multiple hits in the win.
West Branch was aggressive on the basepaths, racking up seven stolen bases. Schmidt, Tucker, and Craven each swiped multiple bags. Defensively, the Lady Warriors turned one double play to help limit Minerva's scoring chances.
For the Lions, Sell led the offense with a 3-for-4 day and three RBIs, while Dakota Breton added in with two hits.
What's Next: With the win, West Branch improves to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in EBC play. The Lady Warriors will host Marlington in Beloit on Thursday, with first pitch set for 5 PM
