The Niagara Lady Badgers have been playing competitively throughout the spring but have often come up short because of a lack of timely hitting.

That changed Friday when coach Joe Champeau’s squad broke through with three runs in the first inning and six more in the third en route to a 10-5 victory over St. Thomas Aquinas Academy in Marinette and Oconto Conference play in Niagara, Wis.

“We were able to generate hits when it mattered …,” Champeau said. “We have been so close all year and Friday the girls turned it on and the outcome was different.”

Rachael Walker led Niagara’s 10-hit attack with two hits, including a double, and three RBIs. Elesia Sweig went 2 for 5 with a double and two RBIs, Grace Payette went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and a run driven in and Paige Guardiola drove home a run with a single and scored two runs.

Bristol Sanicki drove in two and drew two walks, while Mallory Sanicki added two singles and Shelby Zittlow singled and scored once.

Sweig pitched the opening three innings for the Lady Badgers, allowing two hits and two earned runs. She did not issue a walk and struck out four.

Guardiola finished the game with four innings of work, surrendering five hits and one earned run while fanning two.

“I’m very proud of this team,” Champeau said. “Win or lose they are a very resilient group of young ladies and learn something from each outing. It’s great to watch my players grow from not only a softball standpoint, but as a (people) as well.”