When Warrior Run’s Madi Waltman entered the circle against Loyalsock, she knew it was going to take a big effort against one of her team’s toughest league foes.

Waltman wasn’t just good; she was outstanding throughout the game as the Defenders defeated the Lancers 7-1, after being swept in the previous season. The victory also kept Warrior Run’s record perfect through the first five games of the season.

The pressure was great against Loyalsock, but Waltman answered with 11 strikeouts, a hit, two runs scored and two runs batted in. It never looked in doubt for Waltman, who didn’t even seem bothered when Loyalsock tied the game at a run apiece.

Warrior Run took its initial lead when Amber Pentycofe lifted the second pitch of her first at-bat over the left field fence. Loyalsock actually saved a run when Haley Miller attempted to stretch a lead-off single into a double. The throw from left field got Miller.

It limited damage, but Pentycofe’s home run couldn’t be stopped as the Defenders, with their ace in the circle, took the initial lead.

“At that point, I felt like I could get through the game and trust my defense,” Waltman said. “Even with the error, I knew I had them behind me. I knew they would do everything they could to make the plays they can make.”

The defense was rarely tested as Waltman worked her way through Loyalsock’s lineup, mixing top speeds with change-ups to keep the opposition guessing.

Moments after Pentycofe gave Warrior Run a one-run lead, Loyalsock struck for a quick run to level the game. Julianna Cruz, who was one of two players to record two hits against Waltman, opened the third with a single. She then advanced on a Sam Stopper single and ground out by Rhiallie Jessell. Waltman ended the inning when she snagged a grounder back at her. She then threw to first for the third out.

“We’re very close (as a team), and we’ve all gone through so much to get here,” Waltman said. “The fact that the freshman that came in knew Loyalsock was a weak spot for us shows how important this game was.”

Waltman got her lead back in the fourth inning when Megan Zimmerman drove a pitch into right field with two runners on base. Waltman was one of those runners who scored to give the Defenders a 3-1 lead.

“She throws well,” Warrior Run coach Garth Watson said. “It’s been cold, and she’s fought through the weather. She’s put a lot of time in during the offseason. She wants to do it for her team. That’s huge.”

Waltman scored after opening the fourth with a walk. Once she stepped into the circle with the lead she never really looked back. She recorded four strikeouts over the final four innings and retired six consecutive batters through the fourth and fifth innings.

Waltman has been outstanding throughout the early portions of the season. She has excelled through weather that has rarely given her a nice day to throw in. She has also defeated Loyalsock after the Defenders were swept last year. Something special might be happening in Warrior Run, and Waltman looks to be a big part of it.

Warrior Run 7, Loyalsock 1
WR 010 200 4–7 9 2
LOY 001 000 0–1 6 3
Madi Waltman and Jade Swartz. Julianna Cruz and Rhiallie Jessell.
WP: Waltman. LP: Cruz.
Top Warrior Run hitters: Gina Beyer 2-4, run; Hannah Michael 2-4, 2B, run, RBI; Madi Waltman 1-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI; Haley Miller 2-4 run; Amber Pentycofe 1-3, HR, run, RBI; Megan Zimmerman 1-3, 2 RBI. Top Loyalsock hitters: Julianna Cruz 2-4, run.
Records: Warrior Run 5-0 (3-0). Loyalsock 6-3 (0-1).
Next: Warrior Run at Central Columbia, today, 4:30 p.m. Loyalsock at Shikellamy, today, 4:30 p.m.