Throughout the season, the Warrenton softball team has proven it can beat opponents in many ways.
Take, for instance, the two games so far in the 2026 MSHSAA postseason.
Most recently on Monday, the Warriors upended top-seeded Washington 9-7 as the team banged out eight hits, including four for extra bases.
Brylen Shoults, who had three hits, three runs scored, and a pair of RBI, said that whether banging out hits or relying on pitching and defense, Warrenton (14-13) has found ways to win.
“It feels great being able to win all types of games because it really shows that all of our extra reps and late practices really paid off,” Shoults said. “This team has come so far, and no matter what tries to bring us down, we always find a way to stay on top.”
Warrenton Coach Chad Berrey said that, even though Washington had beaten Warrenton by a 7-5 score on October 7, he felt good about the Warriors’ chances.
“That’s just sports; anyone can win on any given day,” said Berrey about winning the second game. “Our girls had an incredible showing, with several girls playing big parts in the victory. After the game, we talked about roles and how every role played today was important. It was a huge team win.
“Now I don’t want to take anything away from Washington, as they were the number one ranked team in Class 4 and for good reason,” Berrey continued. “They are a monster of a team that has a relentless offense.”
To get the chance even to pull off the upset, the Warriors had to edge Pacific in an opening-round game, 2-1.
That effort came as Gibson tossed a no-hitter in the win. The pitcher harkened back to last season when Warrenton won just one game.
“Especially after last season, this feels good,” Gibson said. “I knew I had to bring my best stuff if we wanted to continue our season. Everything was working – curve, rise, screw. The game is all about pressure. We’re ready for those moments.”
Perhaps the biggest defensive play of the game for Warrenton came in the top of the fourth with Warrenton just having taken the 2-0 lead.
One pressure-packed moment came late in the fourth inning when center fielder Rylee Cary ran down a sinking line drive at the wall to preserve the no-hitter.
“I saw it the whole time,” Cary said. “Our coaches had us playing back, so they set us up pretty well for it. I knew that Brylen was there, if I needed her, too. Getting there and making sure I wasn’t going to hit the fence (were key). It feels really good because we’re all here to support each other.”
Warrenton’s runs in the win came on RBI from Gibson and Savanna Oakley.
In Monday’s semifinal contest with Washington, Gibson earned the win. Only three of the seven runs allowed were earned as she struck out seven and walked two. Besides the big game from Shoults, Cary had one hit and three RBI and Paige Campbell scored twice.
That left Warrenton with the next step: a district title game against St. Dominic on Tuesday, played after press time.
The Warriors entered the game aiming for their eighth district title overall, and the first since 2022.
“I hope they continue their momentum vs. Saint Dominic,” Berrey said. “We are looking at it inning-by-inning, (as) the game within the game. We have to go out and try to win each inning at a time.”
