Streak-busters

The Sacred Heart softball team ended Northwest’s 31-game winning streak Friday night at Centennial Park.

The Gremlins defeated the heavily favored Lady Mustangs 7-2 to claim the Kaysinger Conference championship.

The conference tournament proved to be a magical one for Sacred Heart.

The Gremlins entered the tournament as the No. 3 seed but became the champions after knocking off No. 2 Smithton and No. 1 Northwest.

“They all did their jobs. Defense. Offense. It was just awesome. What else can you say?” Sacred Heart coach Edie Taylor said.

“Hats off to Sacred Heart. They have gotten better, definitely, throughout the season. They have started hitting the ball really well,” Northwest coach Bobby Gillespie said.

Defense dominated the first two innings.

A double play and a strikeout by Northwest’s Mariah Wiskur ended the Gremlins’ chances of scoring in the first.

Sacred Heart’s Kelsey Baldwin was a dominating presence on the mound.

She pitched the entire game, striking out nine. Five of Baldwin’s strikeouts came in the first two innings.

Sacred Heart put its first run on the scoreboard in a big way.

In the third inning, Debbie Lewis hit a solo home run over the left-field fence to put her team up 1-0.

The Gremlins took advantage of two walks in the fourth inning to add to their lead.

With two outs, McKenzie Melick and Miranda Ortmeyer drew walks. Lewis delivered again with a two-run triple to deep left field. Lewis scored on an error.

The Lady Mustangs got on the board in their half of the fourth inning.

Kelcey Dankenbring doubled to left field and crossed the plate on an error at second base.

Sacred Heart extended its lead to 5-1 in the fifth inning on a double by Emily Staus. The hit scored Laura McMullin from second base.

Wiskur got the Lady Mustangs out of the inning with back-to-back strikeouts.

Wiskur’s pitching and steady Northwest defense held the Gremlins scoreless for the final two innings.

Emily Reid gave the Lady Mustangs their final run with a two-out RBI double to left field in the sixth inning.

“Every good thing comes to an end,” Gillespie said. “The streak is over. Tuesday we (play) Leeton and we will have to start a new streak.”