The Boone softball team bounced back after a tough loss to No. 1 Cedar Rapids Xavier to beat Marion Saturday, June 14, in Cedar Rapids. 

In the opener, Boone faced a tall task against top-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier and fell 9-0.  

Carly Busch took the loss in the circle as Boone struggled to generate offense. 

But the Toreadors came alive in Game 2, exploding for an 11-7 victory over Marion behind a huge second inning and a balanced offensive attack.  

Boone scored eight runs in the bottom of the second to seize early control, then added insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings to hold off a late Marion rally. 

Kaylee Kuehl led the way with a 2-run home run, while also earning the win in the circle with a complete game and five strikeouts. 

Busch had three hits, two runs scored, two RBIs, and a stolen base.  

Sydney Adams delivered two hits, including a double, four RBIs, and a run scored.  

Avery Howie and Claire Hardinger each tallied three hits and scored twice, while Hailee Bingham chipped in two hits and a run.  

Brooke Weisbrod and Shannon Jenkins each contributed a hit, a run, and an RBI to round out Boone’s offensive surge. 

With the split, Boone moved to 10-7 overall and remains 2-5 in conference play.  

The Toreadors now turn their attention to a Raccoon River Conference doubleheader at Gilbert (9-6, 0-2) tonight, with first pitch set for 5 p.m. 

Jill Lutz reporting