Westosha Central took advantage of several miscues and the solid pitching of Alyssa Hrncar and Olivia Kazumura to defeat Burlington in the WIAA Regional final at Paddock Lake. Hrncar threw 5 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 7 Demons. Kazumura added two strikes outs and shut down Burlington for the save. It was the visiting Demons that struck first. With one out, Kya Kafer doubled to left, scoring Maddie Berezowitz, who had singled to open the game. Two batters later, Josie Klein crossed the plate when Hrncar uncorked a wild pitch. The lead was short-lived. In the bottom of the first, the Falcons struck for three runs, aided three Burlington errors. Kayla Kerkman and Olivia Klean both scored on an error by Gracie Peterson. "Kayla would have scored anyway, but the hustle of both Olivia and Kira produced that second run." (co-head coach Tom Lampe) It was another hustle play that led to their third run. With courtesy runner Rylee Johnson on second, Becca Edwards hit a slow roller. A hurried throw bounced away, allowing Johnson to score. "We did a great job of hustling today. Becca's play was a great example of that. She should have been out but we took nothing for granted and it paid off in a huge way for us." (co-head coach Tom Lampe) The Falcons were able to add single runs in the 3rd on a Mickelson double, followed by another error which allowed Johnson to score and single and fielder's choice by Kerman, which plated Alex Kelly, pinch running for Kazumura. Burlington added a run in the 5th when Alexis Lois singled to score Peterson, who also singled. But that was as far as the Demons would get. The Falcon defense along with Hrncar and Kazumura thwarted any other rallies. With the win the Falcons improve to 20-5 on the season. They return to action when they host a sectional semifinal against the winner of Beloit and Fort Atkinson.
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