The Warriors lost 11–5 to West Shamokin in the second round of the District 6 playoffs on Wednesday, May 21, ending their season. The Warriors entered the playoffs as the third seed and advanced to the second round with an 8–7 win against River Valley on Monday. It was a long game for the Warriors, with rain and storms causing two weather delays during the game.
The Warriors started the first inning strong, driving in a run with the top of the lineup. With runners on, Cheyanne Bush laid down a bunt and caused an error at first, eventually scoring a run. However, in the bottom of the first, West Shamokin answered back, getting a run of their own. The second inning brought a change in pace, with no runs scored. That picked back up in the third and fourth innings. In the third inning, Layla Thompson hit a solo home run to put the Warriors on top again. However, West Shamokin responded by scoring five runs in the bottom of the third.
During the bottom of the third, the weather started to pick up. A storm began, which caused the game to be delayed for about 45 minutes. Fortunately, the weather calmed down and the game was able to resume. In the fourth inning, the Warriors drove in three runs, but West Shamokin answered with five of their own. This was the last time either team scored, ending the game with a final score of 11–5.
Freshman Lindsey Bainey led the Warriors at the plate with two hits and two RBIs. Makenna Moore had seven strikeouts in the game and recorded a strikeout on her last pitch as her career at West Branch ended. Moore commented, “Every girl on this team put their heart and soul into the game, day after day, practice after practice. No one gave up and I’m so proud of that. I couldn’t have asked for any other group of girls to play my senior season with. I know that moving forward there is a great group of girls there to carry on the WB softball legacy.”
The Lady Warriors finished their season as MoValley League Champions and ICC North Champions, with a record of 15–6. The Warriors also did not finish their game with Tyrone due to weather conditions, and they never made up their game with Bucktail. The Warriors will send off their three seniors: Kayleigh Woodring, Makenna Moore, and Layla Thompson. Eleven players will return to the team next season, including five juniors, two sophomores, and four freshmen.
