By Jacob Heid

Sports Editor

ALMOND – A hot and sunny day allowed for perfect conditions for the WIAA softball playoffs that started on May 23. 

The Almond-Bancroft softball team, a No. 2 seed in its section (D5), brought the ‘A’ game in a 10-0 win vs. No. 7-seeded Tri-County in the regional semifinals.

Freshman pitcher Riya Ceballos allowed no hits on the mound for Almond-Bancroft. She also struck out five batters.

She had three RBIs to lead the Eagles at the plate.

The Eagles’ offense collected nine hits in the win and forced seven walks.

The home team struck first, doing so loudly.

Messina Medaugh brought home the first two runs with a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the first. 

One more Eagle navigated the base pads before Ceballos drilled a pitch to deep center for a home run, putting Almond-Bancroft ahead 4-0.

The freshman continued to deal strikes, keeping the score unchanged through two complete.

The Almond-Bancroft offense threatened again in the home half of the third. 

Sophomore Mya Dernbach grounded a ball that escaped the second baseman’s glove, scoring another run. 

With a five-run cushion, Ceballos continued to feel comfortable in the circle.

She wrapped up her fifth inning of work before Almond-Bancroft ended the game.

The Eagles crossed the plate five more times to finish the scoring and give themselves a win. 

Almond-Bancroft hosts No. 3-seeded Sevastopol in the regional final on Thursday, May 25.