Rocks keep surging, win first-ever regional

By RICHARD TORRES

For The Reporter

WESTFIELD – Maddie Moore had one message for her softball players before Tuesday night’s Regional 4 championship.

“Enjoy this.”

A sectional champion for just the second time in program history, the Class 4A 14^th-ranked Westfield Shamrocks entered their first regional appearance since 2023 with home field on their side, and Moore wanted to emphasize that fact.

“We talked to our seniors, and we reminded them, whatever happens, this is your last time at home, so defend your territory,” Moore said. “We talked about the atmosphere. We had 3,000 people here tonight, so enjoy the atmosphere. Enjoy being around each other. Just enjoy the vibes.”

Against visiting Western (20-9), the Shamrocks (17-10-1) showcased their aura in front of a record-attendance crowd, and they made history, winning 6-2 for the program’s first-ever regional crown.

In 2023, the Shamrocks captured their first sectional, but their postseason ended at host Harrison, 4-3, in regional.

This time around, the Shamrocks didn’t flinch or change their approach after successfully running through Sectional 8 last week.

Instead, clutch two-out hitting netted Westfield six runs led by senior Sofia Easterhaus’ 3-for-3 performance (2 RBI, 2 runs, 3 stolen bases), and junior right-hander Mac Delph tossed a complete-game, one-hitter with seven strikeouts to lock down the title.

“It’s just crazy to see how far we’ve come from the beginning of the season,” said Easterhaus, a Marian commit. “I’m really proud of this team for doing what we know we can do.”

Westfield’s top three hitters in the lineup combined to go 5-for-10 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Senior Makayla Watson (1-for-4) opened the bottom of the first with a leadoff single, which set the table for two bases-loaded situations in the frame.

In the second inning, Easterhaus, the team’s two-hole hitter, put Westfield ahead 4-0 with a two-out RBI single.

In the first inning, freshman six-hole hitter Carlynne Schrock (1-for-3) drove in three runs with a two-out bases-clearing double to make it 3-0.

Against Western ace junior Lucy George (14-6), who carried a 1.23 ERA, 219 strikeouts and 12 walks in 108.0 innings pitched, a quick start was necessary.

“She’s a good pitcher. We cut our strikeouts down. We put the ball in play. We made things happen,” Moore said. “We had the machine going this week. We had the (Texas Tech drill) box out this week, and we just worked the top half of the ball. Same thing as what we kind of did last week. We were like, we can put the ball on the ground, and we have speed.”

Watson stole two bags. Senior Reese Mahannah’s RBI bunt single in the bottom of the fourth along with an RBI hit by Easterhaus – both with two outs – canceled a two-run top half of the frame for Western.

“We stuck to what worked,” Easterhaus said. “Win every inning was our mentality this game. They get a run. We score three more.”

Their philosophy limited George to four strikeouts and charged her with nine hits allowed and six earned runs.

Delph faced minimal resistance except for the top of the third when Western cut the Shamrock’s lead 4-2 by turning a one-out walk and previous fielding error into an RBI single and an RBI sac fly.

“I talked to Mac and told her, I just need you to go out there and attack, throw strikes, hit your spots and your defense has your back,” Moore said. “Mac went out there and dealt.”

Delph retired the first five batters she faced and the last 11 with ample run support.

“The only time I felt any pressure was in that third inning, but it wasn’t really a lot,” Delph said. “Two-out rally. That’s kind of our thing. We just keep getting runners on. It’s great.”

Now, the Shamrocks head back to Harrison for semi-state where No. 4 Fort Wayne Carroll (27-1) awaits along with No. 1 Lake Central (28-2) and No. 3 Penn (28-3).

“I’m just enjoying the ride, honestly,” Moore said. “We told them come out, play hard and see what happens. We’re just getting hot at the right time.”