The Lady Bearcats softball team lost six seniors to graduation from 2018; however, eight seniors have stopped up this season to lead a team that already has wins against Beloit and Russell.

Ken Cravens, in his 12th year of coaching, said Ellsworth’s expectations are to compete for league or regional titles. Key matchups will include all league games and non-league competitions with teams in the Lady ‘Cats regional.

“Looking forward to seeing this group grow and reach their potential and playing together well,” Cravens said.

Ellsworth vs. Russell

The Ellsworth Lady ‘Cats had no trouble at home April 2, sweeping a double-header against Russell.

In the first game, Ellsworth sailed to an easy 8-2 victory over Russell. The Lady ‘Cats went on to crush Russell in the second game, defeating the Lady Broncos 22-7.

Ellsworth 8, Russell 2

Ellsworth scored in the first inning, when Lady ‘Cat Sierra Kraatz drew a walk, scoring one run.

The Bearcats went on to score three more runs in the second inning, including an RBI double by Kraatz. She was 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Lady ‘Cats in hits.

Pitcher Brenna Pruitt earned the win for Ellsworth, giving up two runs on six hits over seven innings. Pruitt struck out seven and walked one on the day.

Ellsworth 22, Russell 7

In the second game, Russell led off, and scored early.

With the visiting team already ahead 2-0 in the first inning, the Lady ‘Cats were up to bat. It didn’t take long for Russell’s pitching and fielding errors to not only put Ellsworth on the scoreboard, but allowed them to quickly pull ahead.

In the first inning alone, five Bearcat batters were hit by pitches. Those missteps not only put players on base, but put teammates in scoring position.

During the first inning, Ellsworth continued chipping away at Russell until the visiting team self-destructed. Ellsworth’s Courtney Wise doubled on a line drive to center field, scoring teammates Kassie Sheridan and Nicole Haase. Later in the same inning, Pruitt also doubled on a line drive to center field, scoring Sydney Wilson and Wise. By the end of the first inning, Ellsworth led 18-2. Russell went on to score three points in the second inning and two more points in the third, but it was no match for the Bearcats, who scored a total four more points in the second and third innings to secure the win.

Overall, Ellsworth had 22 runs off 10 hits, six errors and 14 RBIs. Pitcher Madison Tully, who relieved starter Brenna Pruitt, had the win.