***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

The Annawan/Wethersfield Titans and St. Bede Lady Bruins each claimed a victory in their doubleheader matchup on Saturday. 

The Lady Bruins took the first game with a dominant 12-2 win, while the Titans bounced back in the second game, securing a commanding 14-2 victory.

Game 1: St. Bede 12, Annawan/Wethersfield 2

Annawan/Wethersfield started strong in the opener, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Karsyn Rico doubled down the left field line, and Lauren Davis grounded out to bring in another run. However, St. Bede quickly responded, tying the game in the bottom of the inning.

The Lady Bruins took control in the second, sparked by a home run, a triple from Lili Bosnich, and two other key hits. Their offense continued to roll in the third, where they put up five more runs on six hits, including RBIs from Bosnich, Emma Slingsby, Belesti, and Jillian Pinter. Belesti capped off the scoring with a solo home run in the fifth inning.

Chipper Rossi earned the win for St. Bede, allowing just five hits and two runs over four innings. Davis took the loss for the Titans, giving up 12 runs (11 earned) on 14 hits while striking out five.

Despite the loss, Rico, Brynn Harker, Ava Jackson, Clara Bella VanOpdorp, and Liyana Autery each had a hit for the Titans, with Rico and Davis driving in the team’s only runs. St. Bede’s offensive attack was led by Belesti, who went 3-for-4 with four RBIs, while Slingsby and Bosnich each had three hits.

Game 2: Annawan/Wethersfield 14, St. Bede 2

The Titans rebounded in the second game with a dominant offensive performance, led by Madison Smith, who collected three hits, including two doubles. AnnawanWethersfield set the tone early, scoring in the first inning after a double from Davis.

The third inning proved to be the difference-maker, as the Titans exploded for six runs on seven hits. Rico, Smith, Elynn Manuel, and Kendall Vincent all drove in runs to extend their lead.

Smith also shined in the circle, earning the win by pitching six innings and allowing just two runs (one earned) on eight hits while striking out nine. St. Bede’s pitcher, #40, took the loss after giving up eight runs on 10 hits in three innings.

Annawan/Wethersfield totaled 14 hits in the game, with Manuel, Tessa Gripp, and Autery each driving in two runs. VanOpdorp and Davis also had multiple hits. 

With the doubleheader split, Annawan/Wethersfield Titans will look to build on their momentum as they prepare to host Fulton Varsity Steamers on Monday.