Republic softball avenged an early-season loss to Carthage, winning 4-2 on the road Tuesday in a Central Ozark Conference West matchup.
The Lady Tigers scored two runs in the second inning and added two unearned runs in the sixth to secure the victory. Kara Goeke pitched a complete game, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out four and walking one.
Republic took an early lead in the second when Lilli Richerson singled and Sammi Watson reached on an error. Ashland Schaumann drove in courtesy runner Myleigh Mooneyham with a sacrifice fly, and Addison Walker singled home Watson to make it 2-0.
Carthage tied the game with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings before Republic capitalized on a pair of Carthage errors in the sixth. Addie Brown singled and Richerson reached on an error to put runners on first and second. After Watson sacrificed them over, Cass Ellison hit a pop fly that was dropped by Carthage’s center fielder, allowing both runners to score.
Goeke, who pitched despite feeling fatigued from a five-game weekend at the Springfield Invitational, credited her defense for the win.
“My defense played really good behind me,” Goeke said. “Ashland made a really good play up the middle. And then in the last inning, (shortstop) Walker got the lead runner out at third, which was really hype, and it helped me a lot.”
Schaumann was involved in all three outs in the sixth inning, including a difficult play on a grounder up the middle to retire one batter.
“I would say I’m confident in my defense and that it really helps the team,” Schaumann said. “But ultimately…it’s a team effort.”
The victory improved Republic’s record to 19-9. The Lady Tigers will aim for their 20th win Thursday at home against Willard.
