The Fastpitch Chronicle

Union Grove ended Westosha Central's four year run as sectional champion in defeating the Falcons 8-2 in Lake Geneva last night. Brittany Moore was the winning pitcher striking out five while allowing 2 runs (both unearned) on 5 hits. The Broncos put pressure on the Falcons throughout the game before they were able to push across a few runs in the 3rd inning. The Falcon defense held up early. In the 1st Chyanne Onstad fielded a pop bunt attempt and threw out Kalista Hribar to end the 1st inning. One inning later it was Julia Jester throwing out Emily Knight at the plate to keep the score tied. But the Broncos broke through off of Alyssa Hrncar in the 3rd. Hribar led off with one of her four hits. She scored two pitches later when Moore doubled to the right center gap. Claire Ryan then singled but Moore was cut down at the plate by a perfect throw by Jenna Kontaxis. Ryan then stole 2nd and scored on a single by Knight. Grove added to their lead in the 4th inning. A one out double by Sam Carey sparked the inning. Hribar singled her in and later scored on a Falcon error on a batted ball by Ryan. Westosha responded in the 5th. After two outs, Hrncar reached on an error. Chyanne Onstad singled and Kayla Konwent walked. Kira Mickelson then singled in two runs. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, Olivia Klean hit a sharp grounder that Moore fielded to end the threat. "That was really the game right there. She made a great play on a come backer and we weren't able to threaten her again." (co-head coach Tom Lampe) The Broncos added a 4 run 6th inning to seal away the game. Carey led off by reaching base on an error. Then two consecutive bunts were misplayed by the Falcon defense. "We just let down at the wrong time. It happens to every team. Our timing just hurt us." (co-head coach Tom Lampe) After a sacrifice fly for a run, Alyssa McClelland's single, coupled with another Falcon miscue allowed two runs to score. The Falcons went quietly in the 7th. "It was quite a run for us. Give them credit, they put pressure on us every inning and they made the plays when they needed to. They deserved to represent our sectional as state and we wish them the best of luck." (co-head coach Tom Lampe) With the loss the Falcons concluded their season 24-5 which included their 5th straight Southern Lakes Conference title. But the loss also ended the high school career of Kayla Konwent. "We are going to miss her although I'm sure most of our opponents are happy to wish her good luck at Wisconsin. She was truly a special person." (co-head coach Tom Lampe)