LONDON — The defending 13th Region champion North Laurel Lady Jaguars recorded a huge comeback from behind win over crosstown rival South Laurel on Monday.
The Lady Jaguars (5-0) took an early 2-0 lead, fell behind 3-2 in the fourth inning before pushing across three runs in the top of the fifth inning to take the lead for good, winning, 7-5.
Bella Sizemore came up huge at the plate with a home run, two RBI and a run scored while Tessa Monhollen connected with three hits and drove in two runs. She also notched the win, lasting five innings while allowing four hits and two earned runs. She finished with two Ks.
Emma Carl recorded the save, pitching the final two innings while surrendering three hits and two earned runs. She finished with one strikeout.
“Good game tonight for my girls,” North Laurel coach Chris Edwards said. “Got out to an early lead, gave up the lead, but then battled back with five runs in the last three innings.
“We got 9 hits tonight, three from Tessa Monhollen, including the insurance runs that were the difference in the game,” he added. “By the way, Tessa started, pitched five innings and only gave up four hits. She has had a great start to the season. Emma came in and closed the door. We have a nice one-two punch in the circle right now.
“A hit from Emma Carl, followed by a triple from Saige McClure and then a home run from Bella Sizemore gave us the lead back in the fifth after south got it in the fourth,” Edwards continued. “I liked the comeback our girls showed. Tremendous effort from both teams tonight. Tremendous early season match up but this was just a game in March. It won’t define either of our seasons. Lots of softball left for all of us but proud of my girls and coaches tonight. Go Jags.”
Emmie Rice led the Lady Cardinals (3-1) at the plate with her 26th and 27th career home runs. She went 2-for-2 with two RBI, and two runs scored. Audrey Likins, Bailey Frazier, and Morgan Jackson each delivered run-scoring hits while Skye Lawson and Addison Baker each had a hit apiece.
Kenzie Williams tossed seven innings, allowing nine hits and five earned runs while striking out eight batters.
“These games come down to a few plays that can decide the game,” South Laurel coach Carly Mink said. “We made a couple uncharacteristic mistakes tonight. We’ll learn from them and get better. I’m proud of our team for not giving up and playing hard for seven innings.”
