Perez powers Ronan to season-opening win over Libby

Fueled by a six-run second inning and a dominant pitching performance from Kaydnce Santos, the Ronan Maidens picked up a 7-5 road victory over Libby on Saturday, April 5.

Ronan’s offense erupted early, jumping ahead in the second frame thanks to clutch hitting and defensive lapses by the Loggers. Neveah Perez delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a three-run home run, giving the Maidens an early cushion that proved just enough to withstand Libby’s comeback attempts.

Perez finished 1-for-2 on the day with four RBIs, leading a Ronan offense that tallied eight hits. Autumn Lozeau provided a key spark as well, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs.

Hanna Lytton also added two hits for the Maidens, while Shelby Taylor and Hadassah Read contributed singles to round out a balanced attack.

Ronan added a crucial insurance run in the fourth, helping maintain their edge as Libby battled back in the later innings. Santos went the distance in the circle, striking out 11 while allowing just four earned runs on eight hits. She issued only one walk and kept the Loggers’ lineup on spring break-up with her mix of velocity and control.

Libby threatened late, scoring two in the sixth and one in the seventh to close the gap. However, Santos bore down to retire the final batters and secure the win.

RONAN 7, LIBBY 5

Ronan - 0601000 - 7 - 8 - 1

Libby - 0002021 - 5 - 8 - 2

LIBBY HITTING: Madison Vincent 2-4, Weslee MacDonald 0-2, Teighler Park 0-2, Rachel Kosters 2-4, Dakota Allen 1-4, Peyton Waggoner 0-2, Bently Houston 2-3, Carmen Kohler 0-3, Leah Rusdal 0-3, Maddi Willis 1-2, Rossi Baney 0-1; RBI: Waggoner, Houston 2; 2B: Allen, 3B: B Houston

LIBBY PITCHING: Carmen Kohler (7IP, 8H, 7R, 1ER, 6BB, 7SO)

RONAN HITTING: Ally Luedtke 0-3, Kaydnce Santos 1-3, Neveah Perez 1-2, Kailyn Marengo 0-3, Kylee Kelch 0-3, KaNana Couture 0-1, Hadassah Read 1-4, Hanna Lytton 2-4, Shelby Taylor 1-3, Autumn Lozeau 2-4; RBI: Perez 4, Marengo, Lozeau 2: 2B: Lozeau 2, HR: Perez

RONAN PITCHING: Kaydnce Santos (7IP, 8H, 5R, 4ER, 1BB, 11SO)