Softball on the Hillside is back.

The Westside varsity softball team hosted the Omaha Central Eagles in their season opener on Thursday. Behind a two RBI double from senior Alaina Mann, the Warriors picked up their first win of the season by a score of 4-2. Westside gained a 2-1 advantage on a RBI groundout from Jaden Wells and an overthrown ball to home plate, but Mann’s double made the difference. Starting pitcher Kyleigh Freeman said these runs were vital in the win.

“[The runs] were really important because they gave us a bigger lead to have a better cushion,” Freeman said.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Eagles tacked on a second run and put runners on second and third base, but Freeman struck out two of the final three hitters to seal the opening day win.

“It was kind of nerve-racking,” Freeman said. “I just had confidence in my defense, and I knew they could make a play.”

The win kicks off the 2018 campaign with a record of 1-0 for the Warriors, who have not finished with a winning record since 2012 when the team finished 13-12. Freeman said starting off with a win was important to flip the script this season.

“It’s important because it boosts our confidence that we can play good,” Freeman said.

Westside returns to action on Friday, August 17th, 2018 in the Omaha Gross Invitational when they take on Waverly, who is ranked 5th in Class B.