Southwestern wins tight game over Jersey with dominant pitching

Hannah Mary leads Piasa Birds with complete game allowing only one run to secure narrow 2-1 victory in Thursday matchup.

Chris Rhodes, Reporter

Mar 20, 2026 9:21 AM Mar 20, 2026 9:22 AM

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JERSEYVILLE - Southwestern got just enough offense—and a dominant complete game in the circle—to edge Jersey in a tight one-run battle Thursday.

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Hannah Mary was the difference-maker for the Piasa Birds, going the distance and recording all 21 outs while allowing just one run on six hits. She struck out five and didn’t issue a walk, keeping Jersey off balance all game long.

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Southwestern wasted no time getting on the board, as Vivian Zurheide delivered an RBI double in the top of the first to make it 1-0. They added what proved to be the game-winning run in the third inning when Maci Timpe drew a bases-loaded walk to push the lead to 2-0.

Jersey made things interesting late, with Holly Brainerd blasting a solo home run to center field in the bottom of the seventh, but Mary closed the door to secure the 2-1 victory.

Despite the loss, Paxton Weirich turned in an outstanding performance for Jersey, striking out 18 batters over seven innings while allowing just three hits and two runs (one earned).

Zurheide led Southwestern at the plate, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, while Mia Wolff and Josie Hagen each added a hit. Jersey’s offense saw contributions from Weirich, Kamryn Drainer, Brainerd, Maleah Derrick, Anna Kribs, and Jena Pegram, who all recorded one hit apiece.

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