MCKEE — North Laurel clinched the 49th District’s top seed on Tuesday while snapping Jackson County’s five-game win streak thanks to a 15-3 win.
Both teams scored three runs apiece in the first inning, and the Lady Jaguars’ bats slowly started catching fire in the third, fourth and fifth innings.
North Laurel (15-4 overall, 2-0 vs. district opponents) broke the three-all tie in the third inning with a run before adding three runs in the fifth inning, and eight runs in the fifth inning.
“Good win for our girls tonight,” said North Laurel coach Chris Edwards, who captured his 100th career win as the Lady Jaguars’ coach. “Came out really well and got three in the top of the first. But hats off to a Jackson County who got three of their own to tie it up in the bottom of the first.
“This game was very important to everything we want to do in the postseason,” he added. “It gives us the number one seed in the district tourney and automatically puts us into the region tourney. Getting the number one seed is always the first priority of every season. We are fortunate to get that done this season.”
Morgan Edwards and Saige McClure both connected with home runs during the win as Edwards finished with three hits, three RBI, and two runs scored while McClure was 3-for-3 with two RBI, and four runs scored. Katie Sams had three hits, two RBI, three runs scored and three stolen bases while Bella Finley finished with three hits and two runs scored. Ellie Adams had two hits, two RBI, and one run scored while Katie Keen drove in two runs with a hit and scored once. Emma Carl had a hit, an RBI, and a run scored while Tessa Monhollen had a hit, and scored once. Bella Sizemore finished with an RBI, and a run scored.
“Offensively we had 17 hits,” Edwards said. “Multiple hits from Katie Sams, Saige McClure, Ellie Adams, Morgan Edwards and Bella Finley. Six of those were extra base hits again with a couple of home runs, also. Ran the bases well tonight, too.”
Carl got the win, tossing five innings while striking out four batters and allowing three earned runs.
“Pitching-wise, Emma was good again,” Edwards said. “Didn’t have her best stuff but was still really good. She gave up five hits total and three of those were in the first inning. Settled down after that. Defensively, we caught everything tonight. Defense is so important to us and tonight we were good.”
Baylee Berry and Lexi Brockman had home runs for Jackson County (8-8, 0-1) while Berry finished with two RBI, and Brockman had one. Kylie Moore, Candice Williams, and Ella Sellee each finished with a hit apiece.
Williams took the loss, allowing six earned runs while striking out two batters.
“Really proud of our girls tonight,” Edwards said. “Jumped out to a lead and then had a tie ball game after one. Everyone stayed focused on the job we had to do and we got it done. Boyle on Thursday and a triangle Saturday at home. Time to get better and start working toward getting ready for the postseason. Go Jags.”
