In game where both teams had prime opportunities, Watertown came up big when it mattered most.

The Arrows used two home runs and a stellar pitching performance to collect a 5-1 Eastern South Dakota Conference softball victory over Aberdeen Central inside the Aberdeen Dome on Thursday afternoon.

“I would say both sides competed really well today,” said Central coach Cassidy Neer, “and it was a really fun ball game to watch.”

While the Golden Eagles eventually came up short of grabbing the win, progress was made.

“The last two times we faced Watertown they actually run-ruled us. We just didn’t deflate,” said Central’s Avery Bendewald. “They hit two home runs on us. We just kept it going. That’s the best we’ve ever played against them and I think that’s going to make us confident going into Pierre.”

Watertown grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the second inning thanks to a double steal. The Arrows padded the margin with a two-run home run in fourth inning from Alayna Dettmann and another two-run homer in the fifth from Lauryn Hirsch.

The Golden Eagles mounted a comeback and had runners on first and third in the bottom of the fifth before Watertown turned a solid double play to get out of that inning.

Watertown threatened to extend the lead in the top of the sixth, but stranded a runner on third base as Central’s defense kept the hosts in the game.

Central third baseman Addison Ward talked about playing on the corner of the infield.

“Corners are always hot. In your mind you kind of say I have to expect it every time,” Ward said. “Once you get girls that are coming up a second and a third time, and you kind of remember where they hit the first time.”

That attention to detail is an example of the marked improvement of the third-year program.

“Our softball IQ is doubling every day,” Neer said. “They’re an outstanding group. I wouldn’t pick any other girls to be on my team.”

Central eventually scratched a run across the plate in the the bottom of the sixth when leadoff hitter Avery Bendewald reached on a bunt single, moved to second on an error, and scored on a single by Jayla Breaw, sliding ahead of the tag at home plate.

“I have a lot of confidence when I get on base,” Bendewald said. “I feel like when I get on base 99 percent of the time I score. I’m a very aggressive baserunner.”

The biggest challenge all day was getting on base against hard-throwing Watertown pitcher Alexa Brown, who struck out 14 batters during the contest.

“When they’re pitching fast, I usually step back in the box,” Bendewald said. “I honestly feel like bunting is easier with a faster pitcher from my point of view.”

The Arrows threatened again in the top of the seventh and again the Eagles got off the field without allowing another run, once again stranding a runner at third base.

Defensive communication is a key part in helping to shutdown opponents, according to Ward.

“A big thing we’ve been working on in practice is communication and that’s where I think a lot of the root our problems come from,” Ward said, “so having it engrained in us I think helps us know where plays are at, but also work with each other.”

Central challenged one more time in the bottom of the seventh, and had a runner on third base before Brown iced the win by striking out two of the last three batters.

“They’re pitcher did an outstanding job. The best we’ve seen this year,” Neer said. “She hit her spots. She had a variety of pitches that she was executing, keeping our girls off balance, which I think was the biggest thing.”

In the end, Watertown was able to make just a few more plays to help secure the victory.

“They made the plays when it matters,” Neer said, “and it’s just a matter of time before we get the roles reversed and we get to be in that position.”

The Golden Eagles, who play at Pierre on Tuesday, are still searching for their first win of the young season, and keep inching closer each time they take the field.

“Every game that we’ve played so far, we’re getting closer in the scores,” Ward said following Thursday’s contest, “and it’s a confidence booster all the way.”

Watertown 010 220 0 – 5 9 3

Aberdeen Central 000 001 0 – 1 4 1

Alexa Brown and E. Berglund; Kaylee Kiesow, Kylee Hoffman (5) and Alivia Roettele. HR – Watertown, Alayna Dettmann, Lauryn Hirsch.