By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
ASHWAUBENON – Coming into the day, the Ashwaubenon softball team trailed Pulaski by a full game and knew it had to win both games of a doubleheader with Manitowoc to accomplish a feat set forth at the beginning of the season.
The Jaguars left no doubt who reigned supreme as they defeated the Ships 13-0 in game one and 6-0 in game two to bring the Fox River Classic Conference title back to Ashwaubenon.
It was Ashwaubenon’s first FRCC title since 2010, a few years after leaving the Bay Conference.
Coming into the contest, Ashwaubenon had six hitters that averaged over .400 in batting average, despite having cold bats over the past weekend.
In the opener, the Jaguars’ bats were resurrected as they cranked out nine hits.
Kate Cleveland pitched a two-hit complete game in getting the victory.
Sam Maes took the loss for the Ships giving up 13 runs in just 4 innings.
Chloe Brabant, Zion Estano, Cleveland and Anna Wendorf each scored two runs.
Game 1:
Manitowoc: 000 00—0
Ashwaubenon: 350 5x—13
In the second tilt of the night, the Jaguars jumped on the Ships early, scoring five runs in the first three innings to take a commanding lead.
They never looked back in getting the second shutout of the night.
Lexi Lasee scored two runs and Caitlyn Phillips added one.
Cleveland threw 62 pitches, 50 of which found the strike zone in getting the win.
With the victory, Ashwaubenon finished the regular season at 21- 3 and 17-1 in the FRCC.
The Jaguars received the top seed in the upcoming WIAA Division 1 tournament, where they will await the winner of Bay Port and Kimberly in a regional final.
“I was really proud of all the girls tonight,” said Ashwaubenon head coach Shannon Van Laanen. “Two great team wins. Cleveland was so good on the mound in both games and her defense supported her all night. I thought our focus was good from first inning on, and we really made it a point to emphasize trusting the process and you’ll be happy with the results.”
Game 2:
Ashwaubenon: 212 010 0—6
Manitowoc: 000 000 0—0