PINEVILLE — Rachel Howard took over — and Pineville followed.
Howard struck out 18 and tossed a complete game as the Lady Mountain Lions rolled past Barbourville, 10-4, on Monday to advance to the finals of the 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament.
Howard was dominant from the start, allowing just six hits and four runs (two earned) while working around four walks in a commanding performance in the pitcher’s circle.
The Lady Mountain Lions (7-2) gave her plenty of support at the plate, finishing with 10 hits.
Pineville pushed across four runs in the first inning, then broke the game open with a six-run third inning.
Monica Whitehead led the way at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance and three RBI, while Rayanna Maidon added two hits, two runs scored and an RBI.
Kameran Evans had a hit, two runs scored and an RBI while Howard finished with two hits and an RBI. Malley Smith and Isabella Adams each drove in a run, and finished with a hit apiece.
Barbourville managed to answer with three runs in the second inning and added another late, but couldn’t keep pace.
Aubrey Richardson led Barbourville with two hits and two RBI while Lindsey Thomas added two hits and a run driven in.
