The Checotah Lady Wildcats (2-1) roared to victory Friday night, taking down the Stigler Lady Panthers 6-2 in front of a fired-up home crowd.

Aurora Madewell wasted no time getting things started, driving in the game’s first run with a clutch single in the bottom of the first. Stigler answered back in the second, capitalizing on a Checotah error to even the score at 2-2.

The Wildcats refused to back down. In the fourth inning, Shyanne Madewell stepped up with ice in her veins, ripping a single that put Checotah back on top, 3-2, a lead they never surrendered.

Inside the circle, Shaelynn Casey was a force. The Lady Wildcats’ ace silenced Stigler’s bats, allowing just four hits and two unearned runs across seven innings. Casey struck out four and worked her way out of trouble with gritty poise, while her defense backed her up with a timely double play.

At the plate, Checotah’s lineup delivered. Aurora Madewell anchored the middle of the order, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Carly Dismukes joined the hit parade with two knocks of her own, while Shyanne Madewell showed patience, drawing two key walks. Overall, the Wildcats’ disciplined approach earned them five walks on the night, keeping constant pressure on Stigler’s pitcher.

Stigler’s Lexi Kates did her best to keep her team alive, collecting two of the Panthers’ four hits, but the Checotah defense held firm to secure the win.

With the 6-2 triumph, the Lady Wildcats showcased not only their bats but also their resilience, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season.