FRANKLIN — Emma Carl and Lucy Jo Linville powered a big offensive night as North Laurel collected 18 hits in a 9-6 win over Franklin on Wednesday.
Carl led the way, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, and two runs scored, and an RBI. Linville followed with a huge effort, going 4-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored.
Tessa Monhollen added three hits and two runs scored and an RBI while Katie Keen chipped in three hits and an RBI. Presley Griffin contributed two hits and an RBI.
“The best thing about the regular season is that the last game doesn’t define your team or season,” North Laurel coach Chris Edwards said. “We lost a close game yesterday after a couple of mistakes to a good team that took advantage of them. Today, we got to erase that game and play again and see what we can do. I don’t like to lose and I certainly don’t want to lose back to back games. We’ve been good about not stringing together consecutive losses the last couple of years.”
North Laurel jumped out early with three runs in the first inning and added two more in the second to take control. After Franklin answered with a three-run fourth, the Lady Jaguars responded with three runs in the fifth to regain momentum and hold the lead.
“Another good day for our girls today,” Edwards said. “Offensively, we really are seeing the ball well down here. Eighteen hits total, seven doubles and a home run included. I’ll take that every day. Multiple hits from Emma, Katie Sams, Tessa, Lucy Jo, and Presley. Contributions throughout the lineup are key when playing these good teams.”
Caylee Singleton picked up the win, working 3.2 innings while allowing five runs (one earned) with five strikeouts. Carl came on in relief to earn the save, tossing 3.1 innings and allowing just one run while striking out seven.
“On the mound, Caylee Singleton was very good,” Edwards said. “Placed the ball very well, I was very pleased with her location today. Again we made a couple of mistakes that cost us some unearned runs and caused Caylee to have to throw some unnecessary pitches. Caylee only gave up one earned run. Caylee has been a nice addition to Tessa and Emma.
“Had to let Emma come in and close it out,” he added. “Emma was Emma and did what we need her to be, only 2 hits in 3 1/3 with 7 strikeouts. One more game tomorrow and everybody gets a break to get home a celebrate Easter. The season really gets started with district games coming up soon after we get back. Been a good week so far but we are looking forward to getting home. Go Jags.”
