By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

A Nicole Zoellner sixth inning three-run homer gave the Jays a late lead, on their way to a 9-3 win over Wausau West on Tuesday.

Wausau East would snag an early lead, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Jays respononded with one run in the second inning to cut the lead in half. Ally Semling started the inning with a single to center field. Semling would move around the bases and eventually score on a wild pitch.

The Jays later took the lead, scoring two runs in the fourth inning. Kelsie Belfiori led off the inning with a double to center field. Megan Schroder then singled to left field, scoring Belfiori and tying the game. Michelle Lahr then singled to center field and Schroder would score from first, while Lahr got tagged out trying to advance to second base. In the bottom of the fourth East would score one run to tie the game at 3-3.

A four run sixth inning would secure the lead for Merrill. Belfiori led off the inning with a double, later scoring on a Schroder single. Abi Burgener then drew a walk to put two runners on base for Nicole Zoellner who hit a three-run homer to give the Jays a 7-3 lead. Two more Merrill runs in the seventh inning topped off the Jays 9-3 victory, as they improve to 5-1 in conference play.

Courtney Krueger pitched all seven innings for the Bluejays, allowing three runs on six hits. Krueger struck out seven batters while walking only three.

Leading hitters for Merrill include: Kelsie Belfiori (3H, RBI, 2R), Megan Schroder (2H, 2RBI, 2R, BB), Ally Semling (H, RBI, R) and Nicole Zoellner (H, 3RBI, R, HR).