Softball Recap: Jefferson West Makes It Ten in a Row at Home

Winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Jefferson West). Everything went their way against the Valley Falls Dragons on Thursday as they made off with an 18-1 victory. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest win of the season.

Harriet Dean made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched two innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other pitching news, Josie Old looked comfortable as she pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.

Back at the plate, Ryleigh Zitek was a standout: she got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those two runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Addison Garrett, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Jefferson West hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters in four consecutive matchups.

Tigers

Previous Games (Home)

04/24/25 vs Valley Falls	18-1
04/24/25 vs Valley Falls	11-3
04/14/25 vs Royal Valley	11-1
04/07/25 vs Riley County	13-2
04/07/25 vs Riley County	5-3
+ 5 more games

Jefferson West pushed their record up to 13-1 with the victory, which was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.6 runs on average over those games. As for Valley Falls, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 7-7.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Jefferson West will venture away from home to take on Sabetha at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The Tigers' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Bluejays have averaged an impressive 8.2 runs per game this season. As for Valley Falls, they will head out on the road to face off against Jackson Heights at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.