Akron, OH -- Earlier today, the West Branch Lady Warriors traveled to Akron to take on the St. Vincent–St. Mary Fighting Irish in a doubleheader before tournaments get underway. After falling in Game One, West Branch bounced back with a strong showing in the second game to secure a split on the day.

Game 1 Result:
Akron St. Vincent–St. Mary 9, West Branch 1

Game 2 Result:
West Branch 13, Akron St. Vincent–St. Mary 8


Game One 

West Branch struck first in the top of the first inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to plate a run. Akron answered quickly, tying the game in the second on a solo home run to center field by Kate Krabill.

The Fighting Irish took control in the third, stringing together five hits to push across five runs and take a 6–1 lead. The key moment came on a two-RBI single from Cameron Eckroad, which extended the momentum.

Despite the loss, the Lady Warriors had several standout performances. Josie Milliken, Klary McKay, and Addi Craven each recorded a hit, while Ellie Tucker showcased her speed with three stolen bases. Defensively, West Branch was sharp, committing no errors—Milliken led the team with five defensive chances handled cleanly.

Tucker also turned in a gritty effort in the circle, going six innings, striking out five, and walking just two against a disciplined Fighting Irish lineup.

Game Two

In game two, The West Branch Lady Warriors bounced back, defeating Akron St. Vincent–St. Mary 13–8 in the second game of their Saturday doubleheader. After dropping the opener, the Lady Warriors showed resilience and determination in a thrilling victory.

The Fighting Irish struck early, taking a 2–0 lead in the first inning on a two-run homer by Avarie Mays. However, West Branch answered right back in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game at 2–2 with a sacrifice fly from Mati Hawk and a defensive error.

The Fighting Irish briefly regained the lead, 3–2, in the second inning on a single by Alli Zajac. That's when West Branch's offense came alive in the bottom of the frame, scoring four runs to take a 6–3 lead. The rally began when Zajac induced a fielder's choice from Libbie Davis, but an error scored a run, followed by two more runs on a defensive miscue and a wild pitch.

The Lady Warriors continued to build on their lead in the third, adding two more runs. Camryn Wike's sacrifice fly brought one home, and another wild pitch scored another to extend the advantage to 8–3.

Tatum Householder earned the win, allowing seven hits and six runs over three innings, while striking out one and walking four. Ellie Tucker came in to close the game, picking up the save and preventing any late-game comeback.

Offensively, Davis led the team with two RBIs, going 1-for-3 at the plate. Tucker and Wike each recorded two hits. One of the game's most exciting moments came when the Lady Warriors turned a triple play to escape a jam. The team also swiped nine bases, with Davis, Josie Milliken, and Tucker each stealing multiple bags.

What's Next: West Branch Varsity Softball will be in action on Monday at Boardman for one final regular season game before tournament play gets underway. the game is set to begin at 5:15 PM