SOFTBALL: Mickelson, Kontaxis help Hrncar to regional title

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Lady Falcons face Wilmot in sectional semifinal Tuesday

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

In a mercy game where the 10-run rule was employed, junior Kira Mickelson was the dagger in Westosha Central’s 11-0 WIAA Division 1 Regional championship contest against visiting Fort Atkinson Thursday.

Mickelson, who batted 2 for 3, appeared on the field as the starting shortstop for just the second or third time this year and knocked in all three of her runs on a base-clearing triple in the bottom of the third inning.

The junior battled a shoulder injury that left her as the Lady Falcons’ designated player for most of the season, according to co-coach Tom Lampe.

“It was nice to see her on the field for once, been only the second or third time she has been on the field all year, so that was a good sign,” Lampe said.

For Alyssa Hrncar, she cruised to another shutout, holding the Blackhawks to three hits, struck out seven and walked none through five innings to pick up her 17th win of the season.

Mickelson was not surprised at Hrncar’s stellar performance, noting the pitcher exudes confidence on the mound.

“She pitched to her ability like she always does and it was a great job by Alyssa,” Mickelson said.

Sophomore Jenna Kontaxis, who drove in a team-leading four runs, sparked a three-run second inning with a single to score seniors Julia Jester and Elaine Andersen, who both doubled, before Hrncar tripled her in to cap off the inning.

In addition to four runs knocked in, Kontaxis finished with a 2 for 2 performance at the plate, where she doubled.

In the next inning, after Westosha Central plated five of its eight runs, Mickelson stepped into the batter’s box where she slammed a three-run triple to the right-center field warning track.

“She has got a lot of power, and it was really nice to see her being able to do that,” Lampe said.

With seniors Kayla Konwent and Chy Onstad batting ahead of her in the order, Mickelson stated she has a responsibility, citing Konwent’s constant intentional walks and Onstad’s ability to get on base.

“When people walk them, I know I have to do my job and get a base hit,” Mickelson said.

Other Lady Falcons that drove in runs were Jester (1-3, two runs), junior Olivia Klean (1 for 3), and Hrncar (1-3).

Westosha Central improved to 23-4 overall following the win while Fort Atkinson dropped to 17-11.

After claiming the regional title, Westosha Central faces cross-town rival Wilmot, who won 16-1 at Janesville Craig Friday.

The Lady Falcons, who won 10-0 in the first meeting against Wilmot, received a challenge the second game when they escaped with a 3-2 win.


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