Softball: D.C. Everest survives thriller to win in Wisconsin Rapids.

D.C. Everest and Wisconsin Rapids combined for 22 hits on Thursday with the team combining for 8 runs in the final two innings of a thrilling 8-7 Evergreens' win in Wisconsin Valley Conference softball in Wisconsin Rapids.

Everest led 6-2 heading into the bottom of the 6th inning when the Red Raiders rallied for 4 runs with 2 out. Layla Patraw, Sydney Holberg, Rachel Linzmeier and Ally Blanchard all had RBI singles to tie the game at 7. The Evergreens came right back in the top of the 7th to regain the lead. Ava Hahn hit a sacrifice fly to give Everest a 7-6 lead and Allison Blarek followed with an RBI single to make it 8-6. Everest would need that additional run as Rapids scored a run in the bottom of the 7th to make it 8-7 and had the bases loaded with just one out. However Piper Schulz retired Payton Jaminski and Rachel Linzmeier on back-to-back pop ups to strand the bases loaded and earn DCE the win.

Mara Merverden continued her hot hitting with a 3 for 4 day, 2 doubles and 3 RBI for the Evergreens. Aubrey Klatt added 2 hits and an RBI for Everest (6-3 overall and 2-2 in the WVC). Sydney Holberg had 3 hits while Layla Patraw and Rachel Linzmeier each added two hits for Rapids (6-4, 2-2 WVC).