CORBIN — North Laurel’s hopes of repeating remain alive after defeating Pineville, 6-1, in semifinal action of Wednesday’s 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament.
The Lady Jaguars fell behind 1-0 in the first inning but responded with six unanswered runs highlighted by Tessa Monhollen’s home run at the plate while limiting the Lady Mountain Lions to only one hit while striking out 15 batters in the pitcher’s circle.
Bella Sizemore had a big game at the plate as well, delivering two hits and three RBI.
“Good game by our girls,” North Laurel coach Chris Edwards said. “Rachel Howard is a great pitcher and she threw a really good game. She mixed her pitches and kept us off balance.
“Fortunately, Tessa Monhollen threw maybe a better game,” he added. “A one hitter with 15 strikeouts. What an incredible night for her. Both of them had to fight through several rain delays but Tessa was really, really good tonight. She also hit a big home run to go along with it.
“Offensively, Bella Sizemore had multiple hits and we scattered some other hits around,” Edwards continued. “We also had nine walks and 11 stolen bases. We had the runners on base and were moving them around. We just couldn’t get the big two out hit tonight. Any win in the region is a good win. None of them are ever easy and you don’t expect them to be. Tomorrow won’t be easy either. Pineville came ready to play tonight and hats off to them. Time for us to get some rest and get ready for whatever tomorrow brings. Go Jags.”
Addison Slone had Pineville’s lone hit while driving in a run while Howard took the loss in the pitcher’s circle. She tossed six innings, allowing five hits and five earned runs while striking out 13 batters.
