Solon’s 4A #12-ranked Lady Spartans opened the 2026 campaign dominating Iowa City West 13-1 in a four inning game Wednesday, May 19, in Solon.

Emerson Miller stole the showing pitching all four innings and hitting a walk-off 3 run-homer. The junior had nine strikeouts while allowing four hits and a pair of walks.

West High got on the scoreboard first with a pair of one out doubles in the first inning. Sophomore shortstop Liv Nelson made a nifty play on a sharp grounder for the second out and a Miller strikeout ended the first inning.

Solon answered quickly on a triple by junior Laeni Hinkle who scored when West High misplayed a Nelson pop up to center field. After a scoreless second inning. Solon broke the tie with six runs in the bottom of the third. A passed ball broke the tie, sophomore Beckitt Kabela knocked in a second run and sophomore Beckitt Kruse knocked in another with Kabela scoring on an error for a 5-1 lead. Junior Layla Knazze and Miller pushed the lead to 7-1 with run scoring hits.

The bottom of the fourth innings saw more of the same with Nelson doubling and Kabela knocking her in. A Trojan error ran the score to 9-1 before freshman Chloe Madura got her first varsity at bat and hit driving in a run and Miller’s line drive to left skimmed over the fence and ended the game.

The Lady Spartans played at Dyersville Beckman Wednesday, May 27. They travel to Mt. Vernon (#9 in 3A) Friday, May 29, for a 5 p.m. doubleheader that opens WaMaC play for both teams.

Stats

Hits – Emerson Miller 2, Laeni Hinkle 2, Beckitt Kabela 2, Beckett Kruse 2, Liv Nelson 1, Layla Knazze 1, Chloe Madura 1

Homerun – Miller 1

Triple – Hinkle

Double – Nelson

RBI – Miller 4, Kabela 2, Kruse 2, Knazze 1, Madura 1

Pitching – Miller, 4 hits, 1 run (earned), 2 walks, 5 strikeouts, 4 innings