STATE CENTER — The West Marshall softball team climbed back into second place in the Heart of Iowa Conference with a 7-2 win over Roland-Story on Wednesday night.

The Trojans (15-8, 10-4) used a five-run fourth inning to take a 6-0 lead that stood the test of time against the Norsemen (9-10, 6-5).

Jillian Karsjen went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs to lead West Marshall offensively. Amelia Ranson doubled and scored twice, while Ashtyn Blood was 1-for-3 with a run and two RBIs.

Aubree Greenwood allowed four hits and three walks in the win, striking out seven.

Comets bombard Baxter in last at-bat

BAXTER — The BCLUW softball team climbed to within one win of clinching the Iowa Star Conference South Division crown by putting away Baxter 14-2 on Wednesday night.

The host Bolts (1-17, 1-12) trailed 5-2 before BCLUW (16-3, 12-2) put up nine runs in the top of the seventh inning.

Grace Farnsworth finished 4-for-5 with three runs and two RBIs, while Morgan Bergman went 4-for-5 with three RBIs. Eden Ladehoff and Raegan Crawford both went 3-for-5 with two runs scored as the Comets rapped out 21 hits. Klayre Gallentine was 2-for-5 with a double — the team’s only extra-base hit. Sarah Garber was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Gallentine benefited from all the offensive support, allowing one earned run on six hits and two walks while striking out nine for the win.

Wolverines wallop Colo-NESCO in conference play

GREEN MOUNTAIN — The GMG softball team scored seven times in the bottom of the fifth inning to finish off Colo-NESCO 12-3 in Wednesday’s Iowa Star Conference South Division clash.

The Wolverines (9-8, 7-7) led 5-3 before scoring seven times to end the game early against the Royals (3-16, 1-13).

Natalie Upah led off going 3-for-4 with a double, two runs and two RBIs; Taelyn Sash was 3-for-3 with three runs scored; and Skyler Murty went 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, two runs scored and three RBIs.

Winning pitcher Riah Boege added two hits and drove in a pair. She also struck out 13 batters, allowing three runs on six hits and five walks for the win.

Spartans’ five-game win streak snapped by Denver

GRUNDY CENTER — The Grundy Center softball team had its five-game win streak snapped by Denver, 6-5, in Wednesday’s cross-NICL contest.

The Spartans (15-7) rallied for two runs in their last at-bat but fell just short of the comeback attempt.

Allison Koch had two of the Spartans’ seven hits, scoring once and driving in a run. Kyndra Dieken and Lauren Zajac added RBI singles. Maddy Hendershot took the loss in the circle, allowing six earned runs on 11 hits and three walks, striking out one.