Lady Warriors Open District Play with 19-0 Win over Little Axe

WASHINGTON — The Washington Lady Warriors opened their 3A-4 district season with a commanding 19-0 victory over the Little Axe Lady Indians on Thursday at home. Ava Salcedo powered the offense with two home runs and six RBIs, leading a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Lady Indians from the first pitch.

The Lady Warriors got off to a fast start in the top of the first inning, plating 11 runs. Salcedo led the charge with a two-run home run to center field, followed shortly by Julie Hoehner’s solo homer to left. A Little Axe error added another run, and Isabella Castillo laid down a sacrifice bunt to bring in one more. Salcedo wasn’t finished, launching a grand slam to center field that cleared the bases. Another error scored one additional run, and Presley Lucas doubled to drive in the final run of the frame.

Washington’s offense continued to attack in the third inning, scoring five more runs on just three hits. Hoehner doubled to score one, another error brought in a second run, Castillo drew a walk to plate a third, and a second Little Axe error allowed two more Lady Warriors to cross the plate.

The Lady Warriors collected 11 total hits, led by Lucas, Kinzlee Pogue, and Hoehner, who each had multiple hits. Washington showed aggressive base running, stealing nine bases on the day, including multiple steals from Hadley Beard and Hoehner. The team also drew seven walks and turned a double play to keep Little Axe off balance.

In the circle, Ally Dennis delivered a masterful complete-game shutout, striking out five and walking none over five innings while allowing zero hits. Little Axe starter Leilani Shawnee struggled under the Lady Warriors’ onslaught, giving up nine hits and 18 runs (seven earned) over three innings, striking out two and walking seven. Avery Harris and Libby Pigeon each handled relief duties, allowing one run combined over one full inning.

Washington (19) — Little Axe (0)

Washington Leaders:

• Ava Salcedo – 2 HR, 6 RBI
  
• Julie Hoehner – multiple hits, 2 walks, 2 SB
  
• Presley Lucas – multiple hits, 1 RBI
  

Little Axe Leaders:

• Leilani Shawnee – 3 IP, 9 H, 18 R, 7 ER, 7 BB, 2 SO
  

Pitching Lineups:

• Ally Dennis (Washington) – 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO
  
• Leilani Shawnee (Little Axe) – 3.0 IP, 9 H, 18 R, 7 ER, 7 BB, 2 SO
  
• Avery Harris (Little Axe) – 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO
  
• Libby Pigeon (Little Axe) – 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO
  

The Lady Warriors are back in action tomorrow at home against Jones in 3A-4 district play.