West Central broke open the first game with a 9-run top of the seventh to take a 16-6 win and then rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the seventh to complete the sweep with an 8-7 victory in the nightcap.

Alaina Sykora (4-5, 2B, 3SB, 4R, RBI), Claire Stark (2-3, HR, 2RBI, 2R, 2BB) and Madison Fagre (2-5, 2RBI, 2R, SB) were the hitting leaders for the Knights.  Stark (4IP, 0H, 0R, 1BB, 5K) hurled four innings of hitless relief to earn the win in the circle.  B-E was led by Sydney Schaefer (2-3, RBI), Haddy Baune (1-3, 2R, 5IP, 5H, 4ER, 5BB, 8K) and Tahira Schaffran (2-3, RBI).

“We started out strong in this game and were able to work out of situations with runners on base without allowing runs in the first two innings,” said Coach Sieling of the Chargers.  “Offensively, in the first three innings we got runners on base by being patient and putting the ball in play.  The last half of the game we struggled to put the ball in play and get anything going to bring runners in.  Haddy did an excellent job stepping up and throwing a solid job in the circle the first five innings.  In the 7th inning we struggled to make a play and gave up too many extra chances, which are all things we will work on and hope to learn from as the season progresses.”

Kylee Dingwall (6.2IP, 7H, 8ER, 7BB, 5K) went the distance in the circle for the Chargers.  B-E was led at the plate by Hallie Richter (4-4, SB, RBI, 2R), Ava Santjer (2-3, RBI, R, BB, 2SB), Claire Boesl (1-3, 2B, BB, 2R) and Maddy Stich (2-4, RBI).  The lady Knights were led by Addison Staples (2-4, 2HR, 4RBI, 2R), Sykora (2-3, BB, 2SB, R), B Ulrich (1-2, BB, RBI, R) and Fagre (1-4, RBI).  Stark (2IP, 1H, 1ER, 2BB, 2K) and Lily Mahoney (1.2IP, 3H, 1ER, 0BB, 1K) pitched well in relief of Nora Anderson (3.1IP, 6H, 5ER, 4BB, 2K).

“In game two, we were able to come out strong and jump to an early lead, but just couldn’t hold on to finish the game on top,” stated Sieling.  “We had some young girls really step up and hit the ball hard to make things happen, which is great to see in the first games of the spring.  I was happy to see the way Kylee battled through the entire game in the circle.  We played a much cleaner second game, but just weren’t able to make the key play or get the timely hit when we needed them.”

WCA Head Coach Vanessa McNamara said, “We were losing both games going into the last inning and pulled them both out.  The first game we had two outs and then rallied for 9 runs.  The second game we took some chances on the bases to allow ourselves the opportunity to win in the bottom of the seventh.  For not being outside yet this year and having a brand new team with only three returners, I was extremely proud of them.  We are young, excited to learn, and so thankful for the opportunity to be outside, even if it meant 8 hours on a bus!  Our lineup was consistent and got better as the day went on.  I’m thankful for the leadership senior Claire Stark provided.  Leading a team made up of primarily 8th and 9th graders takes a lot of hard work.  Captains, Alaina Sykora, Sophie Sanstead and Claire Stark really have their work cut out with this amazing group!  They all get along so well, sacrifice their bodies for the game, and pick each other up when needed.”