The Warhawks took on Waukesha North Tuesday and one with one key component, defense.

Again, the Warhawks made play after play in the field shutting down any chance North threw at them to score. In the end, their defense, along with timely hitting and good base running, gave Arrowhead their 3-1 victory over North.

The Warhawks improved their record to 10-1, the same record the 2004 state tournament team had after 11 games.

“This was a big, big win for us today,” explained coach Emily Martin after the win. “North really hit the ball hard and played well. They are a very dangerous team. I’m glad we don’t have to play them anymore. They can beat any team in the conference on the right night.”

Second baseman Amanda Alioto made two remarkable diving plays to rob the Northstars of their chance on base. And, for the first time this season, Arrowhead made two double plays all starting with sophomore center fielder Alexis Vanstone.

“Alexis made two great catches and two good throws out there that ended up in double plays,” Martin explained. “This was one of our best defensive games of the season. If we hadn’t made the plays tonight, we might have lost. The defense won it for us.”

Both teams struggled at the plate, but Arrowhead managed to bring two runs across the plate in the bottom of the third.

Right fielder Kelsey VanDerWeele sparked the inning with a single and then advanced to second on a sacrifice by Alioto, who remained safe. Left fielder Amy Mahlum then delivered a double bringing Arrowhead the lead. Alioto then scored off of pitcher Sam Wojciechowski’s single.

The Warhawks scored their final run in the fifth inning. Mahlum reached base on balls and then advanced to second on a passed ball. She then scored on senior Jamie Welch’s sac fly.

On the mound, Wojciechowski delivered another solid game. North manufactured seven hits, but only scored one run. Wojciechowski walked none and struck out two.

Mahlum and VanDerWeele combined with two hits each to lead the Warhawks.