CUBA CITY — Cuba City softball coach Megan Rojemann collected her 100th career win following a walk-off double from senior Aly Ingersoll in a 5-4 win over Fennimore on May 14.

“The success the Cuba City softball program has had is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the athletes,” Rojemann said of what it takes to earn sustained success. “Cuba City has great kids that show up every day to compete and have a team-first mentality. I am grateful to be part of such a supportive district and community.”

Cuba City (9-10, 7-5 SWAL) rebounded from a 4-0 deficit coming out of the top of the first, and it immediately got to work. In the bottom of the first Addy Schauff got a leadoff single, before a sac bunt by Emma Johll got the senior to second. After a second out on a pop out kept things stable, Cheyenne Houtakker singled on a ground ball to center field, scoring Addy Schauff. A pop out in the next at bat sent away the inning.

The Cubans completed their comeback an inning-and-a-half later. Emma Johll kicked off the bottom of the third with a triple over the head of the Eagles’ (16-7, 9-3) left fielder. Josie Kruser followed with a pop out, tallying a second run for Cuba City. Houtakker and Ingersoll followed with singles before a strikeout over Trina Redfern threatened to send away the inning early. Thankfully, Audrey Schauff tallied an infield single, loading the bases, with an ensuing single from Lainey Welp ringing in Houtakker and Ingersoll, tying the matchup.

Offense took a back seat as Josie Kruser filled in for Gianna Timmerman (3.1IP, 6H, 4ER, 1K, 4BB) on the mound partway through the fourth. The senior slugger pitched a 1-walk no hitter over the final three-and-two-thirds innings, while striking out four batters.

While Kruser locked down on the mound, she gave the Cubans’ offense a chance to come alive. Unfortunately, Fennimore’s mound was almost equally as effective. The bottom of the seventh saw Kruser hit a double after the first out, with Julia Kruger coming in as a courtesy runner. Kruger then advanced to third as Houtakker grounded out, before Ingersoll doubled to right field, demolishing thoughts of an extra-inning affair.

Cuba City’s hitting was led by Ingersoll (3x4, 1RBI), Houtakker (2x4, 1RBI), and Audrey Schauff (2x3), while Kruser got the win at the mound.

“I’ve been fortunate to play for and learn from outstanding coaches such as Jane Briehl — River Valley’s head coach — Brenda Volk — UW-Whitewater head coach — and Steven Evans and Beth Bonuso — assistant coaches at UW-Whitewater,” Rojemann said. “Each of these coaches has instilled a love of the game, and taught me so much about the game of softball.”

The Cubans exited the regular season with a 13-2 early inning win on May 18 at Darlington (4-14, 2-10). Johll (1RBI), Kruser (5RBI, 1-HR), and Houtakker (1RBI, 1-2B) led hitting while Kruser (3IP, 4H, 1ER, 3K) and Lily Shireman (3IP, 1H, 0R, 0K, 2BB) split duties on the mound.

The wins improved Cuba City to 9-10 on the year and 7-5 in SWAL play.

The WIAA recently released its softball brackets, and the Cubans earned a 4-seed in Division 4 for their troubles. They first host #5-Belleville (6-15) in a regional semifinal on May 26, before likely advancing to travel to #1-Mineral Point (22-4, 11-1) on May 28.

Cuba City 5, Fennimore 4

(from Thursday, May 14 @ Fennimore)

Fennimore...400 000 0 — 4 6 0

Cuba City.....103 000 1 — 5 12 0

Leading hitters — F: Brooklyn Mumm 2x4 (2RBI), Kayahna Furrer 1x1 (2BB); CC: Aly Ingersoll 3x4 (1RBI), Audrey Schauff 2x3, Cheyenne Hotakker 2x4 (1RBI). 2B — Ingersoll, Audrey Schuaff, Josie Kruser. 3B — Emma Johll.

W — Kruser (3.2IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 4K, 1BB). L — Kayahna Furrer (2.2IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 3K, 0BB).