Monticell overpowered Villa Grove 18-7 - pounding out 18 runs on 19 hits - in season-opening non-conference high school softball action Wednesday in Villa Grove.
Thea Key and Madison Highland each launched a home run in the offensive onslaught. Key finished 4-for-6 with two doubles and five RBIs, including a two-run blast to left field in the second inning.
Highland added her own three-run shot to center in the second, part of a four-RBI performance.
The Lady Sages set the tone in the first inning, jumping out to a 5-0 lead. Sadie Walsh sparked the rally with a lead-off triple, followed immediately by an RBI double from Key. Isabella Beery and Ali Weidner kept the pressure on with RBI singles, and Kaylin Matthews capped the opening surge with an RBI double to right.
Weidner was 3-for-4 on the afternoon with four RBIs. Beery finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs and four runs scored. Cassidee Stoffel reached three times, scored three runs, and added two stolen bases.
In circle, Stoffel earned the win, striking out four over 3 1/3 innings of work. Highland took over in relief, navigating the final 3 2/3 innings to lock down the victory.
The Lady Sages start the year 1-0. They are back in action tomorrow as they continue this early season road stretch at Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond.
