Republic takes a three-game winning streak into the district softball tournament later this week, after road wins over Lebanon and Seneca to finish the regular season. Friday, Republic blasted Lebanon 15-0. Monday, the Lady Tigers edged Seneca 6-5. In both games, Jenna Belcher played a key role, as she returned to the lineup after an injury.
Republic 15, Lebanon 0
At Lebanon, Belcher marked her return to the lineup with a two-run homer as the Lady Tigers belted the Yellowjackets in three innings. Republic scored three runs in the first, four in the second, then blew the game open with an eight-run third. Belcher, Paige Elsenraat, Piper Dishman, Gracie Woods, Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs, Lilli Richerson, and Keelie Richerson each contributed a single base hit for the Lady Tigers, who also took advantage of seven walks issued by Lebanon pitchers.
Republic 6, Seneca 5
In Seneca, Republic lost a four-run lead, but managed to escape with a 6-5 win in nine innings. Sammi Watson’s RBI single scored Lilli Richerson in the top of the ninth to secure the win.
Belcher hit her second home run in two games. She was 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Lilli Richerson also had two hits for the Lady Tigers.
Republic (3) will open the district tournament at home against Lebanon (6) Thursday at 7 p.m.