SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP -- Defiance sophomore hurler Anna Riggenbach took a no-hitter into the bottom of the seventh inning, helping to lead the Bulldogs past Shawnee 5-3 on Tuesday in both teams' Western Buckeye League opener.
Riggenbach, who gave up all three hits and three runs in the final frame, fanned 12 batters in the game. Josee Hale singled and doubled while driving in a pair of runs for the Bulldogs (2-1, 1-0 WBL).
Emily Turner also added a single and double, while Kathryn Riehle chipped in with two singles to push Defiance past previously unbeaten Shawnee (3-1, 0-1 WBL).
"It was a good win for us," explained DHS mentor Hans Zipfel. "Anna set the tone early for us. We need to continue to improve and close the door in the late innings. All in all, it was a quality win."
The Bulldogs return to action Friday with a game at Patrick Henry. The WBL contest scheduled at home with Kenton has been moved to Monday.
Linescore
Defiance 000 012 2 - 5 8 0
Shawnee 000 000 3 - 3 3 4
Records: Defiance 2-1 (1-0 WBL), Shawnee 3-1 (0-1 WBL).
Winning pitcher: Anna Riggenbach (3 runs, 3 hits, 12 strikeouts, 1 walks).
Losing pitcher: Simpson (5 runs, 8 hits, 6 strikeouts, 1 walks).
Leading hitters: (Defiance, 8 hits) - Josee Hale single, double.; Emily Turner single, double. (Shawnee, 3 hits) - A. Winday double.