The Ballard softball team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Monday night, knocking off Class 3A No. 10 West Marshall 4-2 behind timely hitting and a strong performance in the circle from freshman Emmalyn Kruse.

Ballard wasted no time getting on the board, scoring in the top of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead.  West Marshall answered with two runs in the bottom of the second to move in front 2-1, but the Bombers responded immediately with a decisive third inning.

Ballard plated three runs in the top of the third to regain the lead for good.  Olivia Wacha crossed the plate twice in the contest and drove in a run, while Zoe Wilson delivered a pair of hits and two RBIs to pace the offense.  Afton Holmes also turned in a strong night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double.

The Bombers finished with six hits on the evening.  Baylor Buttz added a hit and scored a run, and Ayla Farmer reached base and contributed offensively in the victory.

Kruse earned the win, tossing five innings while allowing just two earned runs on six hits.  The freshman worked through traffic throughout the night, striking out hitters and limiting the Trojans after the second inning.  Ballard's defense backed her effort with several key plays, including solid work from Olivia Plucar and Farmer in the field.

After West Marshall's two-run second inning, the Bombers shut the door defensively and did not allow another run over the final three innings to secure the upset victory.

Ballard improves to 1-0 on the season and will return to action Wednesday, May 27, with a road game at Boone beginning at 5:00 PM.