Softball Recap: Kickapoo Comes Up Short

Kickapoo had lost six straight at home dating back to last season, but on Thursday they dropped down to 1-4 to make it seven. They fell just short of the Seneca Indians by a score of 4-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Panthers have suffered against the Indians since April 4, 2022.

Maddy Townsend spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on four hits and racked up nine Ks.

At the plate, Kickapoo saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Abi Wirtz, who went 1-for-4 with one run and one double. That double marked the first that Wirtz has hit this season.

As for Seneca, their win bumped their record up to 3-4. Surprisingly, this marked the fifth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor in this series.

On Seneca's side, they also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Brigid Hall gave up only one earned (and one unearned) run on four hits.

On the hitting side, Grace Varo was incredible, firing off two home runs while going 2-for-4. Brittany Heisz was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with three stolen bases.

Looking ahead, Kickapoo will welcome Viroqua at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Seneca, they are taking a road trip to face off against Bangor at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Cardinals' pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so the Indians' hitters will have their work cut out for them.