Beloit, OH -- Sara Schmidt led the charge with a dominant day at the plate, collecting three hits in four at-bats to help West Branch roll past Minerva, 13-7, on Wednesday.
After Minerva struck first in the opening inning, the Warriors wasted no time responding. West Branch exploded for six runs on six hits in the bottom half of the first to take control early, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Elly Biskup.
The momentum continued into the second inning, as Schmidt delivered one of her two doubles on the day, while Zoe Metzger and Zoey Carreon each drove in runs to extend the lead.
In the circle, Ellie Tucker went the distance to earn the win, working all seven innings while striking out five. Despite Minerva putting the ball in play, the Warriors' defense and timely pitching kept them in control.
West Branch's lineup stayed productive throughout, racking up 12 hits. Schmidt and Tucker each tallied three hits, setting the tone at the top of the order. Carreon and Maylin Hartzell added multiple hits, while the Warriors also showed discipline at the plate with five walks and aggressiveness on the bases with five stolen bases.
Minerva made a late push, but West Branch's early offensive surge proved too much to overcome.
What's Next: The Warriors will look to keep the momentum going tomorrow as they hit the road to take on Marlington at 5:00 p.m.