CHERRY TWP — Moniteau softball coach Dan Hindman has no problem with winning a game by five or six runs.

He also knows it's important, especially at this point in the season, to prove you can win the close ones.

The Warriors (11-2) did just that on Friday, as junior pitcher Maura McCaslin struck out eight and gave up just six hits in a 2-1 home victory over Brookville.

With the game tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the third inning, Moniteau's Jaryn Beatty reached base on a fielding error and scored on Alex Guercio's double to centerfield.

That was enough for McCaslin, who didn't allow a baserunner past second base the rest of the game.

Hindman is pleased with McCaslin, in her first year as a full-time starter in the circle.

"We spot-started her last year, and she played some fall ball in the offseason," Hindman said. "When she's on, she's hitting her spots and changing speeds well. If she can do those two things, we'll win more than we lose."

McCaslin's counterpart, Brookville's Leah Dietrich, also pitched well.

The senior struck out seven and walked one, surrendering the two runs on just five hits.

Dietrich struck out the side in order in Moniteau's half of the fourth inning.

"Leah pitched well," said veteran Brookville coach Greg Fenstermaker. "I thought both girls pitched well."

A key point in the game came in the top of the third inning.

The Raiders (6-9) entered the frame down 1-0, but tied the score on Samantha Rakovan's RBI-single with two outs.

Following a fielding error that allowed Dietrich to reach first base and a walk to Courtney Keth that loaded the bases, McCaslin struck out Shannon Shaffer looking to end the threat.

Moniteau opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning.

With one out, Autumn Neff reached base on an infield single, moved to second on a throwing error and scored on Ashley Lominski's base hit.

"We have girls, up and down the lineup, who are capable of getting the big hit," said Hindman. "Alex (Guercio) and Ashley (Pisor) have been carrying us lately on offense, but we're hoping that some girls further down in the order can step up."

It was yet another low-scoring game for Brookville's offense.

"There's days when we score six to eight runs, and then there's days when we don't score," said Fenstermaker.

Following the game, Moniteau honored its lone senior, Samantha Ambuster.

Brookville 001 000 0—1 6 2Moniteau 011 000 x—2 5 3W: Maura McCaslin 7IP (8 K, 3 BB).

L: Leah Dietrich 6 IP (7 K, 1 BB).

Brookville (6-9): Samantha Rakovan 2-1B RBI, Leah Dietrich 1B, Courtney Keth 1B, Shannon Shaffer 1B, Brianne Dietrich R, Renee Hines 1B

Moniteau (11-2): Maura McCaslin 1B, Alex Guercio 2B RBI, Ashley Pisor 1B, Autumn Neff 1B R, Ashley Lominski 1B RBI, Jaryn Beatty R

Monday: Moniteau at Karns City