The Fastpitch Chronicle

Westosha Central increased it lead in the Southern Lakes Conference with a 9-4 victory at Wilmot tonight. Olivia Kazumura earned her 4th conference victory by scattering 6 Panther hits while striking out 4 and walking 2. "Olivia did a great job of keeping her poise in some stressful situations. She has really done a great job in the circle." (co-head coach Tom Lampe). Neither team was able to dent the scoreboard for the first two innings but the Falcons broke through with three in the 3rd. Kayla Kerkman singled with one out, stole second and scored on a Kira Mickelson double. The play also scored Olivia Klean who had reached on an error. Mickelson was plated on a Carrie Weis double (4 for 4 on the day). "Getting out to a lead was big. It just settled us in. Also, the seniors had a big night tonight. Especially Kira and Carrie." (co-head coach Tom Lampe) The Panthers responded with a single run in their half of the frame. Haley Lamberson led off with a walk, was advanced on a Taylor Danielson single and score on a shot by Kalyssa Koehn that was played into an error. The Falcons avoided disaster by recording a unique double play to end the inning. With one out, Riley Regnier hit a shot to 3B Danielle Gulliford. She placed the tag on Danielson, who was called safe and then threw to first to catch Regnier. Firstbase man Klean then threw back to Mickelson, who applied a tag on Danielson, off base to end the inning. Westosha extended their lead in the 5th when Mickelson hit her second home run of the season, with Alex Kelly on base. It looked like the Falcons were cruising when the Panthers struck for three in their half of the frame. Two errors put runners on 1st and 2nd and Montana Platts singled to load the bases. Koehn hit a sac fly and the return throw got away allowing both runners to advance. Regnier followed with a double to pull Wilmot within one. The game remained close until the Falcons unloaded with 4 runs in the 7th inning. With one out Klean singled and Mickelson was walked on four pitches. Weis then singled in Klean. Becca Edwards followed with a double scoring both runners and she later scored on a Gulliford single. Although Wilmot loaded the bases. the Falcons were able to escape without any further damage to finish the game. The Falcons 13 hit attack was highlighted by Weis and Mickelson. "It was great to see the seniors have a big game but we are very pleased with the progress of the new varsity members. If this continues we will cause some matchup issues for teams. We are happy with the win but we need to clean up some defensive lapses to continue to be successful." (co-head coach Tom Lampe) With the win, the Falcons are now 5-0 overall and in the SLC. They continue conference play when they travel to Delavan on Thursday.