Cougars Break Through in Ninth to End Woodlan’s Tournament Run
WOODBURN, Ind. — For eight innings, the Woodlan Lady Warriors matched Central Noble pitch for pitch and inning for inning in a tense regional softball showdown on June 2. But the Cougars finally broke through in the ninth inning, scoring four runs to claim a 4-0 victory and bring Woodlan’s postseason run to an end.
The regional contest was a classic pitchers’ duel through regulation and into extra innings. Neither team was able to push a run across the plate during the first eight innings as both defenses repeatedly came up with key plays. Woodlan managed just two hits in the game while Central Noble collected eight, but the Warriors’ defense and pitching kept the contest scoreless deep into extra innings.
Woodlan’s only hits came from freshman Amelia Riley and sophomore Ellce Krauter, who each finished 1-for-3 at the plate. Riley also accounted for both of the Warriors’ stolen bases.
Central Noble ace Grace Swank proved difficult to solve throughout the afternoon. The senior pitcher threw a complete-game shutout, allowing only two hits while striking out 20 Woodlan batters over nine innings. She did not issue a walk and faced just 30 hitters in the dominant performance.
Lucy McHenry carried the load in the circle for Woodlan, pitching eight strong innings. The junior allowed seven hits and three earned runs while striking out eight. Sophia Martin also saw action, pitching one inning and allowing one run. Together, the Warriors’ pitchers held Central Noble scoreless through eight innings before the Cougars erupted in the ninth.
Central Noble’s offense was led by Kaitlyn Tilley, who went 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Grace Swank added two hits, a run and an RBI, while Molly Mann contributed a hit, a run and an RBI. Katie Forker also drove in a run for the Cougars.
Woodlan’s defense recorded 27 putouts and 11 assists, committing two errors in the contest. Addison Klotz was credited with 10 putouts, while Ellce Krauter added 10 putouts behind the plate.
The loss ended an impressive season for the Lady Warriors, who finished with a 25-6 record and advanced to the regional round after a successful postseason run. Central Noble improved to 25-6 and advanced with the 4-0 extra-inning victory.
