The Lady Warrior softball team got their first win of district play on Monday, May 22nd, against Portage. The Warriors entered the game as the district’s top seed, earning a bye in the first round of playoffs. Their opponents were the Portage Mustangs, who held the eighth seed and secured a victory against Bishop Carrol in the opening round of playoffs.
The first inning of the game ended without any runs scored by either team. However, in the bottom of the second inning, the Warriors managed to put up a run, taking the lead. The third inning resembled the first, with minimal action, and neither team could score any runs. In the next inning, however, both teams got their bats going. In the top of the fourth, the Mustangs scored their only run of the game. From that point onward, no further runs were scored by either team until the end of the game.
On the mound for the Warriors was sophomore Makena Moore, who delivered an impressive performance. She recorded an astounding 17 strikeouts while only allowing six hits and issuing three walks. Makena Moore’s exceptional pitching played a crucial role in the team’s success, but she also made an impact on the offensive side. She hit a double, leading to courtesy runner Chelsey Weseskey scoring. Reflecting on the game, Makena expressed, “Going into the game, we knew we had to fight, and we did. Coach Dan always says put the ball in play and pressure them, make them make the plays, and never give up. Making them work for the outs won the game for us.” Moore was not the sole impact player in the game. Alaina Royer also delivered an impressive performance, going two for three at the plate. Not only did she bring in a run, but she also scored a run herself.
Senior Hannah Betts spoke about her team, stating, “Makenna pitched another big game for us. We got hits when we needed them and made the plays when they were there. We’re at the point in the season when each game is basically a single-game season. If we win, we move on, and if we lose, we’re done. I think that motivates a lot of us to get to the big show at the end of the season and bring home the gold to West Branch.”
The Warriors will play in the District 6 semifinals on Friday, May 26th at 4. The Warriors will face off against the fifth seed, Ferndale. Go support the Warriors!
