In a season that started off with four straight losses in the Troy Buchanan Tournament, the Warrenton softball team has gone 10-6 since then, and now sit at 10-10 on the season. This includes a 6-0 start in conference play, with a conference title being potentially wrapped up this week after The Record goes to press.

Leading the way for the Warriors have been a pair of star pitchers — senior Kathryn McChristy and sophomore Kylie Witthaus — both of whom threw no-hitters last week.

“Top tier pitching is rare — you’re lucky to get one top tier pitcher. When you get two, it’s something special,” said Warriors coach Chad Berrey. “Kylie has had a great mentor in Kathryn. She sets the bar and the standard very high, and Kylie is learning a lot. She’s gotten a lot of innings under her belt and I have full confidence that she’s ready for the postseason.”

McChristy is having another fine season in what has been a spectacular career for the Warriors — something that her coach recognizes and appreciates. And it’s not only her pitching that sets her apart, as McChristy notched her 100th career hit last weekend, a bar that only seven other girls have reached in program history.

“Everyone always talks about Kathryn’s pitching abilities and stats, but they forget she can swing it with the best of them. She has been the anchor of the team for four years and has had seasons where all the weight is on her shoulders,” said Berrey. “When things get tough, she gets better. Grit is her best asset. She’s a two-time all-state player and the odds are in her favor that she will be again.”

Berrey was also quick to note that the success of his top pitchers can be traced to a knowledgeable pitching coach, former state champion Taylor Nordwald.

“Not many teams have the luxury of having a pitching coach of her caliber,” said Berrey. “She never lets them doubt themselves. We are definitely blessed to have a great coaching staff.”

Offensively the Warriors have been strong as well, with the top five hitters in the lineup hitting close to .500 with 20 doubles, four triples, and three home runs since the end of the Troy Tournament.

“Offensively, we are there. Pitching wise, I think we have one of the top staffs in the area,” Berrey told The Record. “I like our odds in district play. There are one or two teams that might give us a fit, but we can be highly competitive. With Kathryn and Kylie on the mound, we are in a good position. We should have a good chance. Winning the district is the first step — anything after that is a plus.”

District play starts Tuesday, October 12. Warrenton High School will be the host of the district tournament.

Wildcats win last two games

Wright City is making a climb back to the .500 level following a pair of wins to open the week, a 19-0 rout of Hermann on Monday and 8-2 win over Van-Far on Tuesday. The Wildcats are now 9-10 on the season.

In Tuesday’s contest, Lydia Clubb finished just a single shy of a cycle as she went 3 for 4 at the plate with five RBIs and two runs. Tristen Head went 4 for 4 with two runs and Abigail Vossen had two hits. The offense backed a complete-game performance from Emma Thomas, who scattered eight hits while striking out four.

In the win over Hermann, Head had a three-run homer to lead Wright City. Hannah Kendall, Emma Wegrzyn and Clubb head had two hits. Kendall struck out seven and walked one in three innings of work.