Marian showed plenty of fight.

But an early surge by Tri-Valley proved too much to overcome, as the Bulldogs built a big lead and held off the Fillies’ late push for a 13-7 victory Thursday evening in a key Schuylkill League Division II matchup.

Both teams entered at 3-2 in the division, chasing leaders Williams Valley, Schuylkill Haven and Minersville.

Tri-Valley struck quickly, scoring twice in the first inning on a two-out, two-run double by Myah Schwalm.

Marian answered right back, as Deanna Pugh singled and moved to third on a double by Gracie Sendatch. Haley Treskolasky then brought Pugh home with a sacrifice fly, and Emily Upanavage followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 2-2 after one inning.

From there, Tri-Valley began to take control, as the Bulldogs regained the lead in the second, putting together three runs. Kenzie Tobin scored on a sacrifice fly by Savanah Stiely, and Summer Cupsta-Klinger followed with a two-run double to make it 5-2.

Tri-Valley added to its lead in the third when Olivia Lupole delivered an RBI double and later scored on a steal of home during a strikeout sequence, catching Marian off guard and extending the momentum to push the advantage to 7-2.

The game broke open in the fourth when the Bulldogs erupted for six runs on five hits. Olivia Witmer had a two-run double, Schwalm added an RBI double, and Tobin delivered a two-run single to extend the lead to 13-2.

“They had a lot of fight in them,” said Tri-Valley head coach Marty Shade. “Don’t let that score fool you.”

Despite the deficit, Marian never backed down.

The Fillies began to chip away in the fifth. Malina Letcher delivered an RBI double, and Marian started to find some rhythm at the plate after being quiet for several innings.

They kept coming in the sixth. Letcher struck again with another run-scoring double, and Treskolasky followed with a two-run single, bringing Marian within 13-7.

“I wish we were more aggressive at the plate earlier,” said Marian head coach Lindsey Reinoehl. “When we swing the bats the way we’re capable, we can compete.”

Letcher led Marian with three hits, while Pugh, Gracie Sendatch and Treskolasky each collected two. Treskolasky drove in three runs.

“We’re swinging the bats really well, but we’re a work in progress with our defense,” said Tri-Valley head coach Marty Shade. “We’re looking to get ready for May, and as long as we continue to improve, it will keep us in the hunt.”

Tobin paced Tri-Valley with four hits, while Schwalm had three hits and three RBIs. Witmer and Cupsta-Klinger also contributed multiple hits, as the Bulldogs finished with 16.

LEATHER EVERYWHERE… Both teams flashed strong defense throughout. Marian got key plays from Katie Knock in left, Deanna Pugh at shortstop and Hailey Treskolasky behind the plate, while Tri-Valley was backed by Olivia Witmer at third and Olivia Lupole in right.

ON TAP… Marian travels to Minersville on Tuesday.

Tri-Valley 232 600 0 — 13 16 0

Marian 200 023 0 — 7 13 2

Schwalm and Rodichock; Birrer, Upanavage (3) and Treskolasky. W — Schwalm. L — Birrer.

Records: Tri-Valley (4-2, 4-2); Marian (5-4, 3-3)