MANSON — Bill Shirbroun could feel his ballclub getting closer to cracking into the win column, and on Tuesday night, the Gael softball team cruised to their first victory of the season.

The Gaels (1-4 overall) plated four runs in three different innings to knock off Manson Northwest Webster (3-2) by a final of 16-8.

“We were 0-4, but our opponents were a combined 12-1 so far,” Shirbroun said. “We could tell that we were getting better each time out. We’d just run into some very tough teams through the first week.

“We put it all together and push some runs through.”

The Gaels scored four runs in the third, fifth and seventh frames, pounding out 19 hits in all.

Five different St. Edmond batters had multiple hits. Junior catcher Kacey Kruthoff had four hits and had both a two-run home run and a double.

“Kacey was swinging really well,” Shirbroun said. “She has been working hard and is very steady for us.”

Alyson Nieland and pitcher Ella Vratny had four hits each. Nieland had a double and drove in a run, while Vratny had two doubles and four RBI.

Jocy Timmerman had three hits, including a double. Gracie Harvey had three hits and drove in three.

Ashlyn Headlee hit a two-run home run, the first of her career.

Vratny picked up the win, with two walks and eight strikeouts.

“We defintely have been working on hitting the ball better,” Shirbroun said. “The bats are coming alive and we are improving.

“Everything just came together.”

The Gaels are back in action on Wednesday when they host Clarion-Goldfield-Dows at Rogers Park. First pitch is set for 1:30 p.m.

St. Edmond 16, MNW 8

St. Edmond 024 241 4 16 19

Manson NW 400 000 4 8 11

2B–SE: Ella Vratny (2), Jocy Timmerman, Kacey Kruthoff, Alyson Neiland. HR–SE: Kacey Kruthoff, Ashlyn Headlee.