FORT ATKINSON - Monroe junior Natalie Dillon had a clutch two-run single in the 10th inning to help Monroe pull out a thrilling 5-2 win over Fort Atkinson Monday.
With the win, Monroe improves to 11-6, 8-2 badger South. The Cheesemakers can clinch at least a share of the Badger South Conference title with one more conference win.
Fort Atkinson's Jessica Boos hit a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to force extra innings.
"Fort Atkinson had all the momentum after that home run," Monroe coach Dale Buvid said. "They thought they would be tied for first place in the conference after that game."
Instead, Monroe scored four runs in the 10th inning en route to the win. Monroe freshman Alysha Witt led off the 10th with a walk and junior Kaya Teasdale walked.
With sophomore Carly Upmann up, Buvid had a decision to make.
"It was a decision to bunt with her or let her hit and we decided to let her hit," Buvid said.
Upmann rewarded her coach's confidence with a single to left to load the bases. With the Blackhawks playing with a drawn-in infield, Dillon lined a two-run single to left center to give the Cheesemakers a 3-1 lead. Junior teammate Brooke Adams bunted and reached on an error to score Upmann. Monroe senior Kari Jordan, who went 2-for-5 with two RBI, hit a fielder's choice to shortstop. Dillon beat the throw to the plate and the Cheesemakers led 5-1.
"She's very quick and an instinctive baserunner," Buvid said of Dillon. "She has very good speed on the bases. She hasn't been thrown out stealing this year. She's a nice weapon to have. You can use her speed to generate some offense."
Monroe junior Kylea Ambrose hit a double and the Cheesemakers were limited to five hits.
Dillon pitched a complete game to get the win. She pitched 10 innings and gave up two earned runs on eight hits. She struck out eight and didn't issue a walk.
With the win, Monroe improves to 11-6, 8-2 badger South. The Cheesemakers can clinch at least a share of the Badger South Conference title with one more conference win.
Fort Atkinson's Jessica Boos hit a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to force extra innings.
"Fort Atkinson had all the momentum after that home run," Monroe coach Dale Buvid said. "They thought they would be tied for first place in the conference after that game."
Instead, Monroe scored four runs in the 10th inning en route to the win. Monroe freshman Alysha Witt led off the 10th with a walk and junior Kaya Teasdale walked.
With sophomore Carly Upmann up, Buvid had a decision to make.
"It was a decision to bunt with her or let her hit and we decided to let her hit," Buvid said.
Upmann rewarded her coach's confidence with a single to left to load the bases. With the Blackhawks playing with a drawn-in infield, Dillon lined a two-run single to left center to give the Cheesemakers a 3-1 lead. Junior teammate Brooke Adams bunted and reached on an error to score Upmann. Monroe senior Kari Jordan, who went 2-for-5 with two RBI, hit a fielder's choice to shortstop. Dillon beat the throw to the plate and the Cheesemakers led 5-1.
"She's very quick and an instinctive baserunner," Buvid said of Dillon. "She has very good speed on the bases. She hasn't been thrown out stealing this year. She's a nice weapon to have. You can use her speed to generate some offense."
Monroe junior Kylea Ambrose hit a double and the Cheesemakers were limited to five hits.
Dillon pitched a complete game to get the win. She pitched 10 innings and gave up two earned runs on eight hits. She struck out eight and didn't issue a walk.
