By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
Two Everest runs in the bottom of the seventh forced extra innings, however a Hannah Losee solo homer in the eighth lead Jays to a 4-3 conference win.
In the top of the first inning Merrill grabbed the lead, scoring one run. A leadoff walk, followed by a Kelsie Belfiori single put a runner in scoring position for the Jays. Ally Semling then flew out to center field, however the runner on third base tagged up and scored.
Merrill added two more runs to their total in the sixth inning, extending the lead to 3-0. Courtney Krueger led off the inning with a double to center field. Hannah Losee then singled on a bunt, advancing Krueger to third. Belfiori would later hit a fly ball out to left field, allowing Krueger to tag up and score and move Losee to second base. Semling then singled to center field, driving in Losee for the Jays final run of the inning.
In the bottom half of the sixth inning an error on the Jays would cost them a run, as Everest scored their first run. The bottom of the seventh inning saw Everest tie the game at 3-3. With runners on second and third the Evergreens would hit a two out double to left field, allowing two runs to score and forcing extra innings.
The first extra inning was led off by Losee who hit a solo home run to propel the Jays to the 4-3 victory.
Courtney Krueger pitched all eight innings for Merrill, allowing two earned runs on eight hits. Krueger struck out six batters in the game while walking only three.
Leading hitters for Merrill include: Hannah Losee (3H, RBI, 2R, HR), Ally Semling (2H, 2RBI), Kelsie Belfiori (H, RBI) and Courtney Krueger (H, 2R, BB).