NIAGARA, Wis. — The Niagara varsity softball team gained ground in the playoff race on Friday as it held on to beat Marinette & Oconto Conference foe Wausaukee 10-9 in Niagara, Wis.

The Badgers are now 8-4 on the year and 5-4 in conference action.

“This was a close contest from start to finish,” Niagara head coach Joe Champeau said. “This win definitely helped us out in a big way for seeding purposes for regionals as Wausaukee beat us the first time and we are in the same regional as them.”

Elesia Sweig started the game on the mound for the Badgers. She struck out three and walked one in seven innings.

“Sweig earned the win on the mound for us tonight pitching the complete game,” coach Champeau said.

The Rangers jumped out to an early lead after scoring four runs in the top of the first. However, Niagara responded in the bottom of the frame with two runs of its own and the Badgers trailed 4-2.

Wausaukee added two more in the second while Niagara only scored one and the Rangers’ lead increased to 6-3.

Sweig stepped it up on the mound in the third and the Rangers were retired without scoring. The Badgers backed her up with four runs in the bottom of the third to take a 7-6 lead.

Wausaukee would respond but Niagara kept pace and secured the 10-9 home win.

Offensively, the Badgers received contributions from Sweig (1 for 2, 1 RBI, 1 double, 1 stolen base, 3 walks), Bristol Sanicki (2 for 4, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 1 stolen base), Aiva Champeau (2 for 2, 3 RBIs, 2 walks), Emma Broullire (1 walk), Mallory Sanicki (1 for 3, 1 walk), Grace Payette (3 walks), Zowie Loukus (1 walk), Shelby Zittlow (1 for 3, 2 RBIs), Alivia Kleikamp (2 walks) and Peyton Neuens-Allred (1 for 2).

“Zittlow came up big for us tonight with a base hit driving in two runs at a critical time in the game,” coach Champeau said.

Niagara is back in action today at Hardwood Hall in Felch Township as they face North Dickinson at 4 p.m.

Report compiled by Daily News sports editor Sean Chase.