By: Kayley Bruener
The Pendleton County Ladycats wrapped up a demanding week of road softball with a pair of gritty performances and a dramatic extra‑inning win, showing resilience and late‑game toughness as they continue to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The week opened on April 20 with a hard‑fought 5–3 loss to Harrison County. The Ladycats were held hitless through five innings but refused to fold, rallying for three runs in the sixth to make it a one‑run game. Aubrey Mullins delivered the team’s lone hit of the night, a clutch RBI double that sparked the comeback attempt. Hannah Spaulding battled in the circle for all seven innings, striking out five and allowing just one earned run, but Harrison’s early four‑run second inning proved too much to overcome despite Pendleton’s late surge.
Pendleton County bounced back on April 22, with a strong 4–2 victory on the road at Mason County. The Ladycats’ offense came alive early, scoring in the second, third, and fifth innings while collecting six hits on the night. Kinly Cooper led the way with a pair of doubles and a run scored, while Mylie Honnert added an RBI and reached base twice. Rylan Anderson was outstanding in the circle, throwing a complete game with five strikeouts and allowing only two runs on five hits. Pendleton’s defense tightened up after a two‑run first inning from Mason County, holding the Lady Royals scoreless the rest of the way to secure the win.
The Ladycats closed the week with a thrilling 10–7 extra‑inning victory over Woodford County on April 23, in a game that featured momentum swings, clutch hitting, and a marathon performance from Spaulding. Pendleton erupted for four runs in the third and added two more in the fifth, but Woodford answered with a late push to tie the game and force extras. The Ladycats responded with a decisive three‑run eighth inning, powered by timely hitting from Jessa Gerhardstein and a three‑RBI performance from Spaulding, who also launched a home run earlier in the game. Gerhardstein finished with two hits, two RBIs, and three runs scored, while Cooper added two hits and crossed the plate twice. Spaulding delivered one of her strongest outings of the season, striking out 16 batters across eight innings to earn the win.
The Ladycats now turn their attention to an important upcoming slate. On April 26, they travel to Bracken County for a 6 p.m. matchup. Thursday marks a special night at home as the Ladycats host Bishop Brossart at 6 p.m. for Senior Night, honoring standout senior Mylie Honnert for her leadership, consistency, and impact on the program. The week concludes May 1 with a home game against Madison Central at 6:30 p.m., giving Pendleton another opportunity to continue building momentum as postseason play approaches.