Emporia High softball battled the elements and a resilient Junction City squad Monday, coming away with a doubleheader sweep in a rain makeup at Peter Pan Park.
The Lady Spartans claimed the opener 12-5, setting the tone early before a rain delay hit in the fifth. Emporia struck first in the bottom of the opening inning when leadoff hitter Molly Williams reached on a bunt, and two errors on the same play allowed the senior to score. The Lady Spartans broke things open in the third, plating five runs behind four hits, two walks, and another error to build a 6-0 cushion.
Yzabel Ultreras, Oaklie Dawson, and MacKayleigh Arrington each collected two hits in the win. Ultreras crossed the plate three times, while Dawson drove in three runs to lead the offense.
Delaney Davis went the distance in the circle, earning the complete game victory. The freshman recorded four strikeouts, allowing seven hits and just two earned runs in a steady performance.
Game two proved to be much tighter, with the Black and Red rallying for a 7-6 win to complete the sweep.
Junction City jumped out early with two runs in the first inning, putting the Lady Spartans in comeback mode. Emporia began to chip away in the third when Ultreras delivered an RBI single to left, bringing home Atlyn Heffron.
The decisive moment came in the fourth inning, when Emporia erupted for five runs to take control. Junction City threatened late, but left runners stranded at second and third to end the game.
Ultreras continued her strong day at the plate, driving in three runs.
Alivia Barrett earned the win in the circle, striking out seven while allowing six runs.
Head Coach Tommy McClure has been waiting to knock off the Lady Jays the last few years.
With the sweep, the Lady Spartans improve to 7-5 (2-4). EHS returns to action Friday at home against Wichita Southeast.
