WINFIELD

A back-and-forth battle was settled when the Ravens doubled their score in the seventh inning to defeat the Winfield-Mt Union Wolves, 18-9, on May 23.

This game was the season opener for both teams and after six innings of play the score was tied at 9-9. 

Taking the lead for good, the Ravens scored nine runs in the top of the seventh, and leading this scoring attack was junior Delaney Shaw, who hit a three-run home run to break the tie. The Ravens then held the Wolves scoreless in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win. 

Shaw had an excellent day on the diamond. She ended the game with two hits, with one being a home run and the other being a double, and a team high five RBI’s. Sophomore Claire Withrow also had a solid game, tallying three RBIs, two hits, and one run scored. 

Scoring a team high three runs each were juniors Malia Yoder, Morgyn Nafziger, Lydia Beachy, and sophomore Stavia Miller. Miller also had two hits with one of them being a triple. 

Yoder also went the distance on the mound, pitching in all seven innings. Yoder recorded 16 strikeouts: a career high. While up to bat Yoder had two hits and two RBIs. 

With no seniors on the roster, Hillcrest will no doubt be led this year by a strong junior class of eight featuring captains Yoder, Shaw, and Morgyn Nafziger. This roster also includes three sophomores and six freshmen. 

Coming off a seven-win season, the most wins for the program since 2016, look for Hillcrest softball to continue to make significant strides this year.