The Ellsworth Bearcat softball team took two victories against the Republic County Buffaloes to end their regular season play May 8. The first game ended 11-2 and the second 16-6.

In the first game, the Bearcats took the first stride early, scoring 2 points in the first inning and giving the Buffaloes 0.

While no one scored in the next two innings, the bats came alive in the fourth. The Bearcats scored 7 points and held Republic County at 0.

Junior Lexi West hit her first out-of-the-park home run of the season. She has seen personal improvement throughout the season, as well as advancements for the team.

“We take lots of reps in the cage day after day,” West said. “(We) put our heads in the game and I think that has helped give us the reps and confidence we need to improve.”

By the bottom of the seventh inning, the Bearcats had the lead, so they did not bat that inning. The first game ended 11-2.

The team used the first victory to fuel the second. However, the Buffaloes did not give up either, and by the end of the second inning, they had the lead 6-1.

The Bearcats did not let the setback get them down. They had three consecutive innings that worked them back to the top. They scored 5 in the third, 6 in the fourth and 4 in the fifth.

By holding the Buffs at 6 points for the rest of the game, the Bearcats won the game in the fifth inning by run rule with the game ended 16-6.

The Bearcat softball team competed Monday at regionals, but results were unavailable by press time. If they won two games Monday, they would play on Tuesday. The winner would then advance to the state tournament May 25.

The Bearcat softball team competed Tuesday at regionals, but results were unavailable by press time. If they won two games Tuesday, they would play on Wednesday. The winner would then advance to the state tournament May 25.