The Warrenton softball team has played in bigger games than what it encountered Tuesday afternoon against Orchard Farm.

The Warriors captured a state title last season and ramped up their nonconference schedule to prepare for another postseason run, playing teams from St. Charles to Union to Columbia this year.

That didn’t mean they were immune from a classic case of nerves, however, especially with the Gateway Athletic Conference North championship on the line.

Senior pitcher Jenny Jansen — one of four seniors  honored before Tuesday’s game — struggled on the mound in the first inning  and the Warriors gave up their first run of the conference season.

“I think we were all a little nervous with it being senior night, but we got over it throughout the game,” senior pitcher and shortstop Kaylee Anderson said after her team’s 16-1 win that was called in the fourth inning.

The Warriors captured their fourth consecutive conference title with the win, a streak which has seen the team go 34-0 in conference play.

“Outright and undefeated for four straight years is nice, and they deserve it,” Head Coach Trevor Hibbs said. 

Jansen recovered on the mound and struck out the side in the second inning.

She gave up one more hit the rest of the way while striking out three more Orchard Farm hitters.

It was at the plate, however, where Jansen, Anderson and fellow senior Emma Tinnin left their marks.

Leading 7-1 in the third, Tinnin reached on a leadoff double and was driven home by Anderson to extend the lead.

Jansen drove the next pitch over the left field wall for her team-high fifth home run of the season.

Not to be outdone, juniors Amanda Vehlewald and Destinee Frost followed Jansen with home runs to put the game out of reach.

“I’ve never seen something like that,” Anderson said of the back-to-back-to-back home runs. “It was good to see our bats come alive.”

Tinnin was glad to get the rally started.

“It definitely felt nice getting that hit on senior night, especially after striking out,” she said with a laugh. “I’m nervous before every game, but definitely this one.”

Tinnin reached base twice in the game.

Anderson was 4-for-4, and Jansen finished the afternoon with three hits.

The Warriors improved to 19-1 and will host the Class 3, District 8 Tournament next week.

“The kids put in so much time and dedication throughout the year,” Hibbs said. “They play high-level select ball and that’s the results you get. They don’t take a day off.”