KHS varsity softball took on Francis Howell North at Pattonville High School on Friday, Oct. 14 in the district final game. KHS was the highest ranked team in the district as the two teams battled out for the class five district three championship. Francis Howell North defeated the Kirkwood Pioneers 10-6 in seven innings. 

First Inning

KHS started off strong with Maddie Hickman, senior shortstop, scoring a run on a single to centerfield by Maddie Johnson, senior left fielder,  in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. 

Second Inning

FHN fought back with an opposite field home run by Piper Spinaio, sophomore first baseman. 

Third Inning

FHN didn’t score in the top half of the inning after Amanda Mooneyham, senior, ended the inning with a sliding catch in center field. Zoey Daniels, sophomore designated hitter, hit a sacrifice fly to right field to bring home Hickman to give KHS a 2-1 lead.

Fourth Inning

FHN went ahead with a grand slam by Ryleigh Albers, junior catcher, to go up 5-2 against KHS. KHS loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth but was unable to score. 

Fifth inning

FHN added on to their lead by taking advantage of KHS’ numerous walks and errors. After loading the bases, a single by Melia Lang, junior shortstop, and a double by Albers brought in three more runs.  In the bottom of the fifth, Ella Santacruz, KHS freshman, doubled to left field. Unfortunately, her teammates were unable to drive her in. 

Sixth inning

FHN tacked on to their lead with another run making it 9-3 FHN. KHS finally answered back. With good baserunning, Mia Risch, junior right fielder, scored on an error by FHN. Hickman drove in Mooneyham with a sacrifice fly, bringing KHS back into the game. 

Seventh inning

In the top of the inning, Albers hit a home run, her second of the game.  FHN maintained the 10-4 lead going into the bottom of the seventh. . KHS put up a rally in the bottom of the seventh scoring two runs to make the game 10-6. Unfortunately KHS’ rally was cut short by a groundout. FHN won the game 10-6.