The Yates Center Wildcats’ season came to an end while on the road facing the Lebo-Waverly Wolfdogs in the 2-1A regional tournament opener Wednesday.
With 14 runs in the first and second inning, the Wolfdogs ended Yates Center’s season before the fifth inning in a 15-0 mercy rule as Lebo-Waverly (12-6) moves on to face Central Heights (19-4) in the regional semifinals.
Yates Center was not without a few highlights. Senior outfielder Garrett Audiss was perfect at the plate while tying sophomore pitcher Evan McVey for the team lead in hits with one each. Senior Kaden Rutherford took the loss while tallying a team-leading two strikeouts over one inning, followed by sophomore Braxtyn Rutherford with one strikeout.
The Wildcats wrap up the season 2-20, including a 14-4 and 17-7 sweep of Oswego in March. Although recently graduating six seniors from their lineup, the Wildcats return most of their varsity roster in 2026.
