Rylee Joseph’s first-inning three-run home run ignited an offensive explosion by the Oak Harbor High School softball team and led the Wildcats to their first win of the season in a 17-12 slugfest at Shorecrest Tuesday, March 27.

Joseph’s round-tripper was her second in two games; she finished 3-for-4 against the Scots. In all, the Wildcats pounded 14 hits.

The win ended a six-game skid by the Wildcats.

“I think they have finally clicked and learned to play as one,” coach Tashina Tosh said. “The communication on and off the field has, and does, play a huge role. Being able to communicate and lean on each other has really helped. The girls are finally on the same page and are really working together.”

Oak Harbor scored four runs in the first inning. Miranda Wilson walked and Brooke Gilham was hit by a pitch. After Cierra LeGendre singled in Wilson, Joseph launched her home run.

Shorecrest scored once in the bottom of the first and the Wildcats got the run back in the top of the second when Wilson walked and eventually scored.

The Scots (0-5, 1-6) pushed across seven run in their half to go up 8-5.

Oak Harbor responded by scoring six runs in the top of the third to take the lead for good. LeGendre reached on an error, Joseph singled and Samantha Payne was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Kaitlinn Scheer walked, Miranda Wilson singled, Brooke Wilson was hit by a pitch and Gilham doubled to complete the rally.

Shorecrest scored twice in the fourth to cut the lead to 12-10, then Oak Harbor padded its lead with three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings.

The fifth was highlighted by Gilham’s double after the Wilsons both reached base.

In the sixth, Scheer tripled and Eleanor Tucker singled her home. After Madelynn Tucker was hit by a pitch, singles by Miranda Wilson, Brooke Wilson and Joseph finished the scoring.

Oak Harbor (1-4, 1-6) hosts Marysville-Pilchuck (2-1, 4-1) at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 28.