The Boone softball team continued its strong start to the season with an 11-2 non-conference win over Saydel in just five innings on Thursday, June 5, at Gary Creasman Field. 

The Toreadors wasted no time setting the tone, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning.  

They followed that up with a five-run second inning, building a 9-1 lead.  

The Toreadors added two more in the bottom of the fourth to seal the victory. 

Claire Hardinger led the offensive charge with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate, including a home run and two doubles.  

She drove in five runs and scored once. 

Supporting Hardinger’s big night were Carly Busch, Brooke Weisbrod, Shannon Jenkins, and Mora Nystrom, each collecting two hits.  

Nystrom also contributed two RBIs. 

On the mound, Kaylee Kuehl delivered a solid complete-game performance, striking out two and keeping Saydel to just two runs over five innings. 

Saydel managed to score once in the second and once in the third but couldn’t keep pace.  

The loss drops Saydel to 0-6 on the season, while Boone improves to 6-2. 

Next up, Boone will travel to Oskaloosa for a tournament on Saturday, June 7, where they’ll face Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (2-3) in the opening game at 11 a.m. 

Jill Lutz reporting