The Ballard softball team opened the season with a mix of dominant performances and hard-fought battles, posting a 2-2 record through its first four contests. The Bombers earned impressive victories over Boone and West Marshall while battling ranked competition from PCM and Atlantic.

Throughout the opening week, Ballard showcased strong pitching from freshman Emmalyn Kruse, timely hitting from several young contributors, and the ability to compete against some of the state's top programs.

Bombers Roll Past Boone, 7-1

Ballard opened the week with a convincing 7-1 road victory over Boone.

The Bombers wasted little time taking control, scoring four runs in the first inning and adding two more in the second to build a 6-0 advantage. Ballard finished with nine hits and six walks while playing error-free defense.

Freshman Baylor Buttz sparked the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, scoring twice and driving in a run. Olivia Wacha crossed the plate twice, while Zoe Wilson and Olivia Plucar each collected RBI hits.

In the circle, freshman Emmalyn Kruse delivered a complete-game gem. Kruse allowed just one run on five hits over seven innings while walking three and limiting Boone's offense throughout the night.

Ranked PCM Pulls Away

Facing fourth-ranked PCM, Ballard ran into one of the state's premier programs, falling 14-3.

The Mustangs broke the game open with six runs in the second inning and added seven more in the fifth. Despite the final score, Ballard showed flashes offensively.

Madeline Schonhorst doubled and drove in a run, while Maddie Sievers delivered a two-run double to account for two of the Bombers' three RBIs. Baylor Buttz also collected a hit and scored a run.

The Bombers were limited to three hits overall but continued to battle throughout the contest against one of Iowa's top teams.

Atlantic Walks Off Ballard in Extra Innings

Perhaps the most dramatic game of the week came against Atlantic, where Ballard rallied late before falling 6-5 in extra innings.

The Bombers jumped out to a 2-0 lead through the first two innings before Atlantic answered with four runs in the third. Trailing 5-2 entering the seventh inning, Ballard mounted a furious comeback.

Madeline Schonhorst blasted a home run and finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Afton Holmes added two hits and an RBI, while Baylor Buttz and Olivia Wacha each drove key offensive moments as Ballard tied the game with three runs in the top of the seventh.

Atlantic responded with the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning, ending a closely contested battle.

Kruse pitched 7⅓ innings and allowed just three earned runs while keeping Ballard within striking distance throughout the game.

Looking Ahead

Ballard enters the next week with a 2-2 overall record and a 1-0 mark in conference play. The Bombers will look to build on a strong start when they host Carroll for a varsity doubleheader on Monday at 5:00 PM.