Jaguars Extend Unbeaten Run

ASHWAUBENON – The Ashwaubenon Jaguars (9-1) faced the Pulaski Red Raiders (4-5) in an intense Fox River Classic Conference softball matchup. The Red Raiders were looking for a rebound after losing both games in their doubleheader against Preble, while the Jaguars aimed to extend their unbeaten April and defend their home turf after a road trip. Despite dark clouds pressing in, fans packed Phil Adam Field, grabbed their hot dogs, and took their seats as the first inning was set to begin.

Starting pitcher Berritt Herr threw a hard strike to catcher Peyton Crutcher to start the game. Although Pulaski struck first in the top of the first with a triple that brought Olympia Simons home, Herr and the Jaguars’ defense found their stride and limited the Red Raiders to one run. “Defensively, I think we need to be more aggressive, but I was expecting big things,” Herr said regarding her expectations coming into the game.

As the game progressed, the Jaguars’ execution became even more pronounced. In the second inning, an unexpected miscue by Pulaski allowed a Jaguar runner to reach base, which was capitalized upon with a sacrifice bunt that nudged the score back in Ashwaubenon’s favor. The strategy was clear: take advantage of every opportunity and never let the opposition settle in.

In the third inning, the pressure was palpable on both sides. Pulaski managed a couple of singles, but the Jaguars countered. A perfectly placed line drive found its way through Pulaski’s defense, scoring a crucial run to give Ashwaubenon the lead. After a defensive showcase from both teams through the top of the fifth, the score remained 2-1 in favor of the Jaguars.

The turning point came in the bottom of the fifth. A hit-by-pitch put runners on first and second, bringing up Crutcher, who hit a hard double to score one run and move Gianna Guarascio to third. Then Herr stepped up—not on the mound, but at the plate—driving a double on a fly ball to right field that sent Emma Kozloski (running for Crutcher) scoring. A subsequent sacrifice bunt brought home another run, and the momentum of the inning left the visiting Red Raiders scrambling to catch up. By the end of the fifth, the Jaguars had surged to a commanding 6-1 advantage. “To get one run in gets a lot of energy in the dugout and puts a fire under our butts,” Crutcher said after the game.

Pulaski mounted a late rally in the top of the seventh, stringing together singles and steals in an attempt to close the gap. However, the Jaguars’ defense and powerful hitting throughout the day ensured the Red Raiders didn’t stand a chance. With a final tally of 6‑2, the Jaguars extended their unbeaten streak and continued their streak. Next week Tuesday, April 29 they take a bus across the river to face their rival Green Bay Preble at 4:30 P.M.