Baseball
Dragons take first loss of year
New Palestine’s 16-game winning streak was snapped Wednesday as the second-ranked Dragons fell 13-8 at Zionsville.
A six-run second inning gave the Dragons an early 6-3 lead, but the host Eagles answered with a seven-run fourth to go up 10-6. The Dragons scored twice in the fifth to cut the deficit to 10-8, but Zionsville responded with three insurance runs in the sixth.
Colby Jenkins hit his fifth homer of the year and drove in four runs, going 2 for 5 and leading the Dragons’ 18-hit attack.
Jacob Bain and Cameron Pitzer had three hits, a double and a run each. Jacob Garrison also had three hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Jack Walker doubled twice and drove in a run. Nick Rusche had two hits and scored twice. Luke Greene also had two hits. Myles Kost also had a hit.
Five different Dragons took the mound, with Jack Walker striking out two in one inning, and Jacob Garrison fanning four in 2 2/3. Joshua Jaques took the decision in relief. Cameron Pitzer and Jaden Jaques also combined for three strikeouts.
Softball
Cougars hold off Raiders
Greenfield-Central took an early lead and held off Shenandoah’s comeback attempts, coming out with a 6-5 win on Wednesday.
The Cougars scored two in the first inning and three in the third to take a 5-1 lead, but Shenandoah bounced back with two in the fifth and one run each in the sixth and seventh.
Greenfield-Central had 13 hits, including two each from Kensie Bradley, Lexi Rankin, Sydney Williams, Maria Kihega and Madge Weidner. Kihega had a double and two RBIs. Rankin tripled for the Cougars.
Williams got the win on the mound for Greenfield-Central, striking out 10 and allowing three runs on five hits in five innings of work. Rankin came in for the save, striking out four and allowing one run in two innings of relief.
Dragons get key conference win
The two remaining undefeated teams in Hoosier Heritage Conference play faced off Wednesday, with New Palestine seizing a key victory in its attempt to win a fifth straight HHC title. The Dragons used a hot start and responded often in a 12-5 victory against Pendleton Heights.
New Palestine flexed its offensive muscle, pounding 17 hits in the game, including a homer off Ashley Prange’s bat. She was 4 for 5 with five RBIs.
Tatum Biddle was 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Emily O’Connor had two hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Michaela Jones had two hits, including a double. Jaylin Calvert had a triple, two runs and two RBIs. Emma Tucher also had two hits and scored twice. TeTe Hart had two hits, two runs and an RBI. Mackenzie Jones also had a hit and an RBI.
Mackenzie Jones pitched four innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits. Kaylea Bullock came on in relief and struck out six in three perfect innings for the save.
Tennis
Marauders cruise on senior night
Mt. Vernon had a dominant performance Wednesday night, cruising past Warren Central 5-0 on senior night.
The Marauders picked up wins in two sets at all five positions, and their seniors didn’t lose a game. At No. 1 singles, senior Alaina Nelson won 6-0, 6-0, and at No. 1 doubles, the senior pairing of Olivia Spicer and Sophie Williams also won 6-0, 6-0.
Mt. Vernon lost just three games in the match, improving to 11-2 on the year.
Royals swept by Owls
Eastern Hancock fell to 1-8 on the year with a 5-0 loss to Muncie Burris on Wednesday.
The Royals doubles teams kept things close, as the No. 1 pairing of Kayla Huff and Madison Hagan fell 6-2, 6-3 and the No. 2 pairing of Chloe McCarty and Bella Witte lost 6-4, 6-6 (8-6).
Golf
Marauders bounce back with win
Mt. Vernon bounced back from their first county tournament loss in nine years, beating Triton Central 149-155 on Wednesday.
Senior Max Heitman took medalist honors with -1 round of 34. Xavier Dunham each Sam McWilliams each carded 38s, Elijah Dunham and Haiden Rose had 39s, and John Husar shot a 42.
