GOSHEN – Nothing warms the heart like a win.

A much-needed victory was just the perfect ice breaker for the Warsaw softball team Wednesday night.

The Tigers, on an evening more suited for hand warmers and hot chocolate, edged past Goshen 4-3.

Warsaw senior Taylor Stiver drove in the winning  run in the final inning as the Tigers topped the Redskins in Northern Lakes Conference play at chilly Shanklin Park.

Sophomore Abby Glass turned in an outstanding performance in the circle as Warsaw claimed its first win of the season.

The Tigers showed a lot of resiliency one night after a 25-6 home loss to rival Wawasee in the NLC opener.

“We knew this was coming,” said first-year Warsaw coach Kevin Dishman of the win. “We knew that we have been doing the right things in practice and the girls have been working hard. We knew we would put it together. It’s a long season, but this is a very important win. Now, the girls have proof and know they can win.

“We just got a great effort from everyone tonight. I’m proud of how we played. It doesn’t feel near as cold out here now as when the game started and it’s going to be a good bus ride back home tonight.

“I’m not surprised that the girls bounced back the way they did. We had a long talk after the Wawasee game Tuesday. Everyone left after it determined and it showed tonight.”

Warsaw got off to a strong start with three runs in the top of the first inning. Senior Karly Jones had an RBI single, Sidney Hernandez drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and Kaitlyn Williams also plated a run.

Glass was in control in the circle for the Tigers. She did not allow a Goshen hit until the fourth inning. The hosts rallied in the fifth with three runs to tie the game, scoring on an RBI single by Reagan Wilson, a Warsaw error and a bases-loaded walk. The final out of the inning came as a Goshen baserunner was called out for leaving second base too early on a pitch with the bases loaded.

The Tigers earned the dramatic win in their final at-bat in the seventh frame. Williams and Saylor Bradley each reached base on infield singles to start the rally. Heather Cox then reached on a perfect bunt with one out to load the bases. Stiver then delivered an RBI infield single into the hole at shortstop to play Williams for the 4-3 lead.

Glass walked the first Goshen batter in the home half of the final inning. She then calmly struck out the next two batters and fielded a grounder for the final out.

“Abby maintained her calm and cool and did a great job tonight,” Dishman said. “She had a rough game Tuesday night. We got here tonight and she said give me the ball that she wanted to pitch.

“We limited the walks and errors tonight and got timely hits. We got off to a good start with those three runs in the first. Our first innings have been brutal this year.”

Glass allowed just three hits with 10 strikeouts and four walks in her stellar effort in earning the win.

Freshman Bradley had two hits, including a double, for Warsaw. Sarah Shoemaker also had a double for the Tigers.

Warsaw improves to 1-6 overall and 1-1 in the NLC. Goshen drops to 3-7 overall and 0-2 in league play.

Warsaw plays at Plymouth in NLC action Friday. Goshen plays at East Noble Thursday and hosts Elkhart Memorial on Friday.